In Short:
– Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, was arrested for allegedly igniting the Palisades fire in California, causing destruction and deaths.
– Investigators found a lighter linked to the fire in Rinderknecht’s vehicle, implicating him in the incident.

Federal authorities arrested Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, for allegedly igniting the devastating Palisades fire in California on January 1.

The fire resulted in the destruction of thousands of homes and claimed twelve lives. Rinderknecht is charged with “destruction of property by means of fire,” facing a minimum five-year prison sentence up to 20 years.The fire reportedly began near a viewpoint on the Temescal Ridge trail but initially appeared contained.

It smouldered underground until winds caused it to spread on January 7. Investigators ruled out fireworks, cigarettes, and downed power lines as potential ignition sources, confirming it was an incendiary fire. A federal public defender for Rinderknecht has not commented. He was arrested in Florida and is set to appear in federal court.

Victims affected by the blaze expressed relief at the arrest. Los Angeles officials viewed it as a step towards justice for those impacted by the disaster. Rinderknecht, previously living in the Pacific Palisades, was reportedly agitated on the night of the incident.

After dropping off passengers, he parked nearby, accessed the trail, and took videos of the area while listening to a specific song.

Evidence Found

Investigators believe the fire was ignited with a lighter, which was later discovered in Rinderknecht’s vehicle. He admitted to carrying a lighter during his trail visit. The ATF sought to link the New Year’s blaze to the Palisades fire while the Los Angeles Fire Department initially contained the fire.