The Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) announced on Thursday night that the Kenneth Fire, a rapidly growing wildfire in West Hills, is being investigated as a suspected case of arson. The blaze, which ignited at Victory Trailhead, expanded to 1,000 acres within hours and is currently 0% contained. Officials are battling this fire alongside several others across the Los Angeles area.
Senior Lead Officer Charles Dinsel briefed reporters on the incident, stating, “What we know right now is that the incident occurred, started here [Victory Trailhead], and about 20-30 minutes later, a suspect was detained over Woodland Hills area by citizens.” When asked if the fire was intentionally set, Officer Dinsel confirmed, “At this time, that’s what we believe, yes.” He added that the motive remains unknown and that the area is being treated as a crime scene.
A photograph shared by local radio station KFI AM 640 showed the alleged suspect alongside what appeared to be a blow torch atop a police vehicle. The LAPD has not released further details about the suspect as the investigation continues.
BREAKING: @KFIAM640 @DebraMark1 says this man was arrested for apparently starting fires in Woodland Hills area. We are awaiting confirmation. Note the possible torch on hood of car. LISTEN LIVE we are talking w her now. pic.twitter.com/Nsahmq2ZZJ
— Tim Conway Jr Show (@ConwayShow) January 10, 2025
Meanwhile, the Kenneth Fire adds to an already dire situation in Los Angeles County, where multiple wildfires are straining resources and forcing mass evacuations. The Palisades Fire has burned over 19,000 acres, while the Eaton Fire in Altadena has scorched more than 13,000 acres. Nearly 200,000 residents have been evacuated as the fires, fueled by powerful Santa Ana winds, continue to spread rapidly.
The economic toll of the wildfires is projected to be historic. JPMorgan Chase estimates that damages from the fires could reach $50 billion, making this disaster the most expensive wildfire in U.S. history. AccuWeather’s Global Weather Center places the damage estimates even higher, between $52 billion and $57 billion, encompassing both insured and uninsured losses as well as direct and indirect impacts.
The destruction caused by the fires is immense, with as many as 10,000 structures reported damaged or destroyed. The Palisades and Eaton fires alone have eclipsed previous records, surpassing the devastation caused by the 2018 Camp Fire in Northern California, which resulted in $12.5 billion in insured losses and was previously the most destructive wildfire in U.S. history.
As firefighters and emergency responders work tirelessly to combat the flames, the economic and human cost continues to climb. The Wall Street Journal noted that while wildfires account for significant damage, hurricanes remain the largest contributors to insured losses in the U.S. Historically, Hurricane Katrina in 2005 caused more than $100 billion in damage, while Hurricane Ian in 2022 caused losses exceeding $55 billion, making it the second most destructive storm in terms of insured damage.
The situation in Los Angeles remains critical, with tens of thousands of acres already consumed by fire and new blazes emerging as of Thursday evening. Residents and officials are bracing for further challenges as firefighting efforts continue against the backdrop of dangerous winds and dry conditions.
