U.S. officials say Jonathan Rinderknecht started the blaze that killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes in Los Angeles’ upscale Pacific Palisades area. (U.S. Attorney's Office/The Associated Press)
A 29-year-old Florida man, Jonathan Rinderknecht, faces serious charges for allegedly starting the most destructive wildfire in Los Angeles history. Authorities say he used a lighter to ignite dry brush on New Year’s Day, sparking a blaze that later reignited and tore through wealthy hillside neighbourhoods, killing 12 people and destroying thousands of homes.
Federal officials say the suspect lit the fire on January 1, which smouldered underground for days before high winds reignited it on January 7. Known as the Palisades Fire, the massive blaze swept across Pacific Palisades and Malibu, burning more than 9,300 hectares and levelling around 6,000 structures. Damage costs have been estimated at nearly $150 billion.
Arrest and Federal Charges
Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli confirmed Rinderknecht’s arrest during a press conference Wednesday. Authorities charged him with malicious destruction by fire, a federal offence that carries a minimum of five years in prison. He was arrested Tuesday in Florida and was scheduled to appear in court the next day.
Rinderknecht, an Uber driver at the time, had dropped off a passenger in Pacific Palisades before walking up a hiking trail, prosecutors said. He recorded videos from the hilltop, listened to a rap song that featured scenes of fire, and allegedly used a lighter to start the blaze.
An aerial photo taken in late January shows the widespread destruction caused by the Palisades Fire in Los Angeles’ Pacific Palisades neighbourhood. (The Associated Press)
Essayli said the suspect fled when he saw fire trucks approaching, but later returned to the same trail to watch firefighters battle the flames. “He turned around and went back up there,” Essayli said. “He took some video and watched them fight the fire.”
Investigators said Rinderknecht also made several 911 calls to report the fire, seemingly to create the impression that he was a concerned witness rather than the cause.
Evidence and Investigation
Authorities say they found strong evidence linking Rinderknecht to the fire. A “barbecue-style” lighter discovered in his car matched one seen in photos taken in his apartment just before the fire. Investigators believe he used that lighter to ignite vegetation or paper at the site.
According to court documents, Rinderknecht told investigators specific details about where the fire began—details that had not been released publicly. He appeared anxious during interviews and had even asked an online chatbot whether a cigarette could start a fire, possibly trying to create an excuse for his actions.
After months of investigation, officials concluded the fire was intentionally set. They ruled out natural causes such as lightning or power line failures and dismissed the idea that a discarded cigarette could have caused it.
Destruction and Recovery Efforts
The Palisades Fire, along with another blaze that broke out the same day in Altadena, left widespread destruction. Combined, both fires killed more than 30 people, reduced entire communities to ash, and displaced thousands.
A later review found serious problems with emergency alert systems, including delays that left residents without enough time to evacuate. Officials said rebuilding will take years, and many families may never recover financially.
