Kenneth Fire Arson Suspect Detained in Woodland Hills – Details

Earlier today (January 10, 2025), a Senior National Correspondent from News Nation named Brian Entin reported that the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) informed him that the Kenneth Fire is being investigated as arson.

Entin also said police officials have a suspect in custody. Several minutes later, the news correspondent posted a video on X further confirming his initial statement. The video showed LAPD Senior Lead Officer Charles Dinsel speaking to News Nation about the situation.

“What we know right now is that the incident occurred, it started here, and about 20 minutes/30 minutes later, a suspect was detained over in Woodland [sic] Hills area by citizens,” divulged Officer Dinsel.

The reporter interviewing the officer then asked if this meant someone had purposefully started the Kenneth Fire. Charles responded, “At this time that’s what we believe, yes.”

Currently, police officials do not know the exact details concerning the suspect’s intention, but Officer Dinsel made it clear that the location where the incident took place is labeled as a crime scene area.

Apart from reiterating what Officer Dinsel had mentioned during the news interview, Entin updated the public that the Kenneth Fire’s burning acreage sits at 800+ in his caption above the video.

As the police senior lead mentioned, the suspect was apprehended by residents in a Woodland Hills neighborhood. Video footage showing the suspect being arrested by police officers was posted online by a civilian named Renata Grinshpun, who had witnessed the incident.

While speaking to KTLA 5 about what happened, Grinshpun revealed, “We were sitting in the backyard and suddenly, we hear a car come to a screeching halt and the guy is running out saying, ‘Stop! Drop what you’re holding! Neighbors, he’s trying to start a fire! Call 911!'”

Upon hearing the commotion from their homes, neighbors rallied together to corner the man, who Grinshpun said had what appeared to be a big “propane tank or a flamethrower,” and hold him down. This happened after one resident spotted the suspect attempting to light an object on fire behind a car.

“A few gentlemen surrounded him and got him on his knees. They got some zip ties, a rope and we were able to do a citizens’ arrest,” shared Grinshpun.

Affecting the counties of Los Angeles and Ventura, the 960-acre Kenneth Fire began on January 9 around 3:34 p.m., according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CAL FIRE).

Evacuation warnings for the zones between Vanowen South and Burbank Blvd., and from County Lane Road East to E Valley Circle Blvd have been issued, and those with pets or livestock and/or require substantial time to evacuate, are urged to do so ASAP.

On their website, CAL FIRE also notes that evacuations are being updated frequently, and civilians should check the LA City Evacuation Map for the LA City Evacuation Warning area, as the Kenneth Fire rapidly spreads in the West Hills in Los Angeles County.

Regarding the overall situation of the Kenneth Fire, CAL FIRE states, “Fanned by strong Santa Ana winds, the fire threatens nearby communities and infrastructure, prompting swift evacuation orders. Firefighters from Los Angeles and Ventura counties are actively engaged in containment efforts, deploying both ground crews and aerial resources.”

The department also notes, “The challenging terrain and persistent winds complicate suppression activities, necessitating heightened vigilance from residents and adherence to directives from local authorities.”

The Kenneth Fire is only one of the various wildfires that have set California ablaze, as CAL FIRE reports on the impact of numerous others that have destroyed over 10,000 structures and have prompted 13,926 total emergency responses.

Apart from the Kenneth Fire, which has a containment level of 0%, there is the Palisades Fire, which began on January 7 and has burned 19,978 acres with only 6% containment.

The Eaton Fire, which started on the same day as the Palisades Fire, spans 13,690 acres of which 0% is contained.

Meanwhile, the January 7 Hurst Fire has a burning acreage of 771 with 37% containment, and the 394-acre Lidia Fire, which started on January 8, sits at a containment level of 75%.

Regarding the severity and frequency of the wildfires, CAL FIRE highlights that although California has experienced a “higher-than-usual number of fires this year,” the total acreage burned (29,053) is below the five-year average, even though it exceeds the burned acreage from last year (2024).

“Following recent rainfall that has moderated fire activity, CAL FIRE is transitioning to Winter Preparedness staffing levels statewide. This adjustment aligns with a seasonal decrease in fire activity and aims to strategically optimize resources as fire risks lessen during the cooler months,” explains the department.

However, CAL FIRE also acknowledged, “Forecasts indicate that above-normal temperatures and below-normal precipitation will persist through February, sustaining elevated fire risk, particularly in Southern California. An increased frequency of offshore wind events may also heighten fire concerns in specific areas.”

Nevertheless, the department makes it clear that they are committed to remaining vigilant and prepared to tackle any challenges “posed by the ongoing elevated fire risk.” It should also be noted that the wildfire statistics mentioned are subject to change as the situation continues to unfold

Although first responders continue to do their best to mitigate the devastation, the wildfires have already claimed lives. According to an update shared by the Los Angeles County Medical Examiner, the death toll has risen to ten.

To make matters worse, Los Angeles County Sheriff Robert Luna said he expects that number to grow. “I don’t expect good news, and we’re not looking forward to those numbers,” added Luna during a press conference.