California Man Charged for Starting Destructive Los Angeles Fire

Thu Oct 16 2025 21:12:59 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, faces charges for igniting a fire on New Year's Day, which escalated into the most devastating blaze in Los Angeles history, leading to massive destruction in the Pacific Palisades.

Federal authorities in California have charged Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, with starting a fire that later evolved into the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history. The fire consumed over 6,000 structures and claimed 12 lives. The blaze ignited on January 1 and was accused of being intentionally set after it smoldered before reigniting during high winds. Rinderknecht reportedly lied to investigators about his whereabouts and fled the scene. He was arrested in Florida and will face court proceedings soon.

LOS ANGELES (AP) — A 29-year-old man has been charged with igniting a wildfire that led to devastating destruction in Los Angeles, authorities announced on Wednesday.

Jonathan Rinderknecht faces federal charges for allegedly starting a fire on New Year's Day, which violently spread several days later, devastating the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli revealed that although the initial fire was extinguished, it smoldered underground and reignited due to high winds.

After witnessing the fire, Rinderknecht reportedly returned to the hiking trail where he had started the blaze and misled investigators about his location during questioning.

Rinderknecht was arrested in Florida and is scheduled to appear in court. Officials have not disclosed the specific details of how the fire was ignited, but investigators believe a lighter may have been used on vegetation or paper, according to the criminal complaint.

The wildfire, which ignited on January 7, resulted in 12 fatalities and the destruction of more than 6,000 homes and buildings within the affluent coastal community of Pacific Palisades, known for its stunning ocean views.

Further investigations determined that alternative causes, such as fireworks, lightning, and power lines, could not have triggered the fire. The report from authorities suggested significant gaps in emergency response protocols contributed to the disaster.