LOS ANGELES (AP) — A 29-year-old man, Jonathan Rinderknecht, has been charged with setting a fire that evolved into the most destructive blaze in Los Angeles history, claiming 12 lives and obliterating more than 6,000 structures in the Pacific Palisades area. On January 1, Rinderknecht allegedly lit the fire, which was initially put out but reignited due to hot, dry weather. After fleeing the scene, he returned to watch it burn and misled investigators about his whereabouts. He was apprehended in Florida and is now facing legal proceedings. This incident raises questions about fire safety and emergency response protocols within densely populated areas.
Arson Charges Filed in LA's Most Destructive Fire
Arson Charges Filed in LA's Most Destructive Fire
A man has been charged with starting a fire that led to the most devastating blaze in Los Angeles history, killing 12 and destroying over 6,000 homes.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, has been charged in connection with a fire ignited on New Year's Day, which later escalated into a massive blaze killing 12 and destroying the Pacific Palisades neighborhood. Authorities indicated that while the fire was initially extinguished, it reignited due to underground smoldering. Rinderknecht allegedly returned to watch it burn and lied about his whereabouts during questioning. The first fire began just before the Eaton Fire in Altadena, which claimed an additional 18 lives, raising serious concerns over emergency response protocols in LA.
