Arson Suspect Arrested Near Kenneth Fire in Woodland Hills

An arson suspect was arrested Thursday evening near the Kenneth Fire in Woodland Hills, California. The incident unfolded as firefighters worked tirelessly to contain the fast-spreading flames threatening homes in Calabasas and West Hills.

Suspect Detained by Residents

At around 4:30 p.m., Los Angeles police received reports of a man attempting to start a fire on Ybarra Road in Woodland Hills. Alert residents quickly stepped in, confronting the suspect and detaining him until officers arrived at the scene.

Witness Renata Grinshpun, who lives nearby, described the chaotic moment. “We were sitting in the backyard, and suddenly, we heard a car screeching to a halt. A man ran out yelling, ‘Stop! He’s trying to start a fire! Call 911!’” she said.

Neighbors banded together to corner the suspect, who reportedly carried a large propane tank or flamethrower. “A few gentlemen surrounded him, got him on his knees, and used zip ties and rope to restrain him,” Grinshpun added.

Photos shared online showed officers handcuffing the man outside a home, highlighting the community’s swift action in preventing further damage.

Connection to Kenneth Fire Under Investigation

Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the suspect is linked to the nearby Kenneth Fire, which ignited in the Upper Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space earlier that afternoon.

Sean Dinse, an officer from LAPD’s Topanga Division, said, “The incident occurred here, and about 20-30 minutes later, a suspect was detained by citizens. At this time, we believe it could be arson, but the investigation is ongoing.”

The identity of the suspect has not been disclosed, and no further details about his motives or actions have been released.

Kenneth Fire: Rapid Spread and Response

The Kenneth Fire was first reported at around 2:30 p.m. in an area of dry brush near the 101 Freeway. By nightfall, the fire had grown to 1,000 acres, with 35% containment.

Fire crews worked tirelessly to protect nearby homes, using helicopters to drop flame retardants and fixed-wing aircraft to release water over the affected areas. Sky5 footage captured dramatic scenes of firefighters battling the blaze from both the air and the ground.

The fire’s proximity to residential areas in Calabasas and West Hills raised concerns among local residents, prompting evacuations and a massive deployment of firefighting resources.

Witnesses Describe the Scene

Residents in Woodland Hills recalled the frightening moments when the suspect attempted to start a fire. One neighbor reported seeing him trying to light an object behind a vehicle.

“The neighborhood really came together,” Grinshpun said. “Everyone acted quickly to ensure he couldn’t cause any harm.”

The community’s quick thinking may have played a crucial role in preventing further fires as crews worked to contain the Kenneth Fire nearby.

Ongoing Arson Investigations

An official arson investigation is now underway to determine if the suspect is connected to the Kenneth Fire or any other wildfires in the area.

Firefighters across Southern California are currently battling multiple wildfires, including the Palisades Fire in Pacific Palisades and Malibu, and the Eaton Fire in Altadena and Pasadena. The dry conditions and high winds have exacerbated the spread of these fires, placing added pressure on emergency responders.

Kenneth Fire Containment Efforts Continue

As of Thursday night, firefighters had managed to contain 35% of the Kenneth Fire. Crews remain on the scene, working around the clock to control the blaze and prevent further spread.

Helicopters and fixed-wing aircraft are continuing to drop water and flame retardants, while ground crews clear brush and create firebreaks to protect nearby homes.

Residents in the affected areas have been urged to stay vigilant and follow evacuation orders as fire crews work to bring the situation under control.

Community and Emergency Response Praised

The swift response from both the community and emergency services has been widely praised. The residents’ courage and quick action helped ensure the suspect was detained before any further fires could be started.

“We really banded together,” Grinshpun said. “Everyone played a role in ensuring our neighborhood stayed safe.”

Firefighters continue to battle the Kenneth Fire and other wildfires across the region, showcasing their dedication and resilience in the face of challenging conditions.

Stay Informed and Stay Safe

As wildfire season continues in California, authorities urge residents to stay informed about evacuation orders and fire safety guidelines. Preparedness and community vigilance are key to minimizing the impact of these devastating fires.

The Kenneth Fire and related arson investigation serve as a stark reminder of the importance of acting quickly and working together to protect lives and property. While the investigation continues, the efforts of the Woodland Hills community and emergency responders stand as a testament to the power of collective action in times of crisis.

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This information is sourced from KTLA NEWS