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The Independent UK
The Independent UK
World
Julia Musto,James Liddell,Katie Hawkinson and Josh Marcus

LA fires live updates: Arson suspect ‘armed with flamethrower’ arrested near new Kenneth blaze as 10 dead

Los Angeles Pacific Palisades (Location) KTLA

At least 10 people have been killed by the fast-moving wildfires tearing across the Los Angeles area, while a suspected arsonist, allegedly armed with a “flamethrower,” has been arrested.

The Department of Medical Examiner announced it received notification of 10 fire-related fatalities on Thursday evening with the death toll expected to climb. It came hours after the Kenneth fire broke out north of the Palisades fire on Thursday, threatening homes near Calabasas and Hidden Hills. 

The Los Angeles Police Department initiallysaid it believed the blaze was started intentionally. Later on Thursday, a man was restrained by citizens using rope and zip ties after allegedly attempting to light a fire in Woodland Hills, before being detained by police, Sean Dinse of the LAPD’s Topanga Division told KTLA 5.

The suspect, believed to be in his mid-20s, was armed with a “propane tank, or a… it was a big yellow tank, like a flame-thrower,” according to a local involved in the citizen’s arrest.

The Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive the city has seen, is now at six percent containment. The fire has scorched almost 20,000 acres, while the Altadena and Pasadena-based Eaton fire has burned 13,690 acres.

Key Points

  • Death toll hits 10 in LA wildfires
  • Arson suspect ‘armed with flamethrower’ arrested
  • What to know about the new Kenneth Fire
  • Mapped: Tracking the southern California wildfires
  • Forecasters warn about increased risk of wildfire spread

Arson suspect arrested by citizens near Kenneth fire armed with a ‘propane tank or flamethrower’

12:43 , James Liddell

An arson suspect has been arrested around the area of the newly-sparked Kenneth fire after being accused of attempting to ignite a new blaze with a “flamethrower”.

While the cause for the Palisades, Eaton and Hurst friends are still under investigation, the Los Angeles Police Department initially said it believed the Kenneth fire was started intentionally.

At about 4:30 p.m. on Thursday, law enforcement officers responded to reports of a man attempting to light a fire behind a van on the 21700 block of Ybarra Road in Woodland Hills.

According to a witness, the man is believed to be in his mid-20s and speak Spanish as his first language.

James Liddell has the full story.

Arson suspect arrested near Kenneth fire armed with a ‘propane tank or flamethrower’

Evacuee returns to charred remains of Pacific Palisades

12:27 , James Liddell

As of Friday morning, the Palisades fire has consumed more than 20,000 acres of Las Vegas’s landscape, leaving a path of desturction in its wake. A person can be strolling through the charred remains of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood on Thursday.

A person wthrough the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles, on Thursday, January 9 (AP)

Explainer: Wildfires are increasing, so why is wood a popular building tool in hotspots?

12:13 , James Liddell

Wildfires are increasing, so why is wood a popular building tool in hotspots?

Voices: California wildfires are not ‘natural disasters’ – they’re man-made catastrophes

11:57 , James Liddell

California is burning – again. This time, in the middle of January, scorching homes in one of the wealthiest regions in the world.

Flames are threatening Hollywood landmarks, devouring multimillion-dollar mansions and forcing more than 130,000 residents to flee. Thick smoke has turned the city’s iconic skyline into a dystopian haze. By now, at least 10 people had been killed, at least 2,000 buildings scorched, and more than 330,000 left without power.

Everyone you speak to is saying the same thing: wildfires are a part of California’s identity, but this is the worst they’ve seen.

But the fires ripping through Los Angeles are not just another “natural disaster”. This is the future that climate scientists have been warning about for decades, brought to the doorsteps of the some of the world’s most influential people. So why has it taken us so long to care?

Climate Correspondent Stuti Mishra has the full story.

Stuti Mishra | The Independent

Mapped: Where are the Palisades, Kenneth, Hurst and Eaton fires?

11:41 , James Liddell

The Independent has pulled together a map of the four main fires - Palisades, Kenneth, Eaton and Hurst - raging through California (Cal Fire/The Independent)

National Guard deployed in looting clamp-down

11:24 , James Liddell

Covid-19 face covering ‘do not offer protection’ against wildfire smoke

11:08 , James Liddell

The National Weather Service said that face masks, like the ones used in the Covid-19 pandemic, do no protect against wildfire smoke.

The agency has given the adivce as air quality plummets in some SoCal regions as smoke continues to plume from raging wildfires.

“During a wildfire, protect yourself from smoke. Stay inside and close windows and doors,” the NWS wrote on X early on Friday morning.

“If you’re running an air conditioner, keep the fresh air intake closed and clean the filter to prevent outdoor smoke from getting inside. Note that cloth face coverings worn to help protect against the spread of COVID-19 do not protect against breathing in wildfire smoke.”

Watch: Paris Hilton gives tour of ‘what used to be’ her home

10:51 , James Liddell

Hurst fire grows as firefighters manage to get a handle on blaze

10:34 , James Liddell

Just in: Potential new wildfire erupts in San Bernardino National Forest

10:20 , James Liddell

A new wildfire is believed to have erupted in the San Bernardino National Forest, according to a report.

The fire is believed to have broken out on Friday morning at the southern Californian forest, situated near the Coachella Valley, according to Wildcad, a dispatch system used for wildland fire agencies, and images taken from University of California San Diego and ALERTCalifornia.

According to California Wildfire Tracking, a non-official X account who has been tracking the purported new blaze, it has grown to one acre.

It has been dubbed the Shady Fire, according to Wildcad.

The Independent has contacted the LAFD for more information.

In photos: Firefighters battle newly-sparked Kenneth fire

10:17 , James Liddell
Fire crews battle the Kenneth Fire in the West Hills section of Los Angeles, Thursday (AP)
Kenneth fire broke out north of the Palisades fire on Thursday, threatening homes near Calabasas and Hidden Hills. (AP)
Firefighters gather to battle flames as arsonist accused of intentionally igniting fire (Copyright 2025 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Watch: Heartbroken mother confronts Governor Gavin Newsom over raging wildfires

10:01 , James Liddell

Police arrest ‘armed’ Kenneth fire arson suspect

09:45 , James Liddell

A man allegedly armed with a “flame-thrower” has been arrested after being accused of intentionally igniting the new Kenneth brush fire, according to police.

“What we know right now is the incident occurred; started here,” Sean Dinse, Senior Lead Officer of the Los Angeles Police Department’s Topanga Division, told KTLA 5.

Citizens restrained the suspect, who was allegedly armed, on Ybarra Road in Woodland Hills before police arrived at the scene.

“He had a propane tank, or a… it was a big yellow tank, like a flame-thrower basically. The neighbor said he saw the guy behind a van, trying to light something on fire,” said one of those involved in the citizen’s arrest.

10 killed by wildfires – but the true death toll remains unclear

09:29 , James Liddell

At least 10 people have been killed by the fast-moving wildfires tearing across the Los Angeles area, as the death toll continues to climb.

The Department of Medical Examiner announced it had received notification of 10 fire-related fatalities, as of 9 p.m. local time on Thursday.

Officials have warned that the true extent of lives lost will remain unclear until investigators can attain access neighborhoods.

Milo Ventimiglia fights back tears while visiting rubble of charred home lost in California fire

09:13 , James Liddell

Milo Ventimiglia fought back tears while visiting the remains of his house that was ravaged by the deadly California wildfires raging through the Los Angeles area.

The This is Us and Heroes actor was one of many Hollywood stars who lost their homes after evacuating Malibu on Tuesday (7 January) and, while surveying the damage for the first time, he emotionally reflected on the “heavy” loss.

He also described the incident as “life imitating art”, revealing it “wasn’t lost” on him that his This is Us character Jack Pearson saved his family from a house fire.

Jacob Stolworthy has the story.

Milo Ventimiglia fights back tears while visiting home lost in California fire

Super Scooper plane makes emergency landing after hit by ‘drone strike’ while flying over Palisades fire

08:45 , James Liddell

Thousands of National Guard deployed to prevent looting

08:30 , Josh Marcus

Lidia fire that spread to nearly 400 acres ‘75% contained’

08:17 , James Liddell

Is the Hollywood sign on fire?

07:59 , Josh Marcus

As deadly wildfires continue to devastate Los Angeles County, the outbreak of a new inferno in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday afternoon led to the spread of fake pictures and video across social media claiming that the iconic Hollywood sign is ablaze.

Those images are fake and, at the time of writing, the legendary landmark is safe from the flames as the fire woud have to cross over a freeway in order to impact the sign. The fire has however impacted the lights that illuminate the sign, affecting its visibility.

At least five people have been killed by the out-of-control fires so far, with more than 1,000 structures destroyed and at least 150,000 residents forced to flee their homes.

Emergency responders are battling to rein in the destruction, although their efforts are not being helped by strong winds and dry conditions on the ground.

Joe Sommerlad reports.

No, the Hollywood sign is not on fire

NFL moves wild card game from L.A. to Arizona amid fires

07:30 , Josh Marcus

The upcoming NFL wild card round playoff matchup between the Minnesota Vikings and the Los Angeles Rams has been moved to Arizona from L.A., as fires continue to ravage the California city.

“The decision was made in consultation with public officials, the participating clubs, and the NFL Players Association,” the NFL said in a statement on Thursday.

The game, slated for Monday, will take place at State Farm Stadium, the home arena of the Arizona Cardinals instead.

PHOTOS: Destruction as L.A. endures another day of fire

07:00 , Josh Marcus
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)
(AFP via Getty Images)

Major L.A. utility hasn’t implemented common fire safety practices: report

06:30 , Josh Marcus

The Los Angeles Department of Water and Power, a major utility for Los Angeles, reportedly doesn’t have plans to proactively shut off parts of the power system during windstorms to cut down on fire risk, a common practice in the wider industry, according to the Wall Street Journal.

“LADWP worked closely with the Los Angeles Fire Department to develop this emergency protocol that reduces fire risk while continuing vital functions powered by electricity,” a spokesperson for the utility told the paper.

The spokesperson added that the utility takes other safety steps like disabling technology that automatically resotres power to lines after outages to prevent sparking.

The causes of the blazes around L.A. are still being investigated.

The ‘super scooper’ pilots fighting fires across L.A.

06:10 , Josh Marcus

Water-dropping planes have been a key part of the response to the L.A. fires so far.

Throughout the day, daring pilots have been guiding the “super scooper” planes just above the surface of the ocean, grabbing hundreds of gallons of sea water, then heading towards the hills where the fires around L.A. are raging.

Zachary Levi blasts ‘incredibly poor’ leadership for devastating LA wildfires

05:50 , Josh Marcus

Shazam! star Zachary Levi has faulted governmental leaders for the ongoing Los Angeles wildfires, declaring that they must be held responsible for “criminal negligence.”

The 44-year-old Hollywood actor and vocal Donald Trump supporter recently appeared on Fox News’ Jesse Waters Primetime show, where he slammed California Governor Gavin Newsom for doing “nothing” to avoid these natural disasters.

“This is the most devastating fire in Los Angeles history,” Levi said. “My family’s from Ventura, California. I grew up there most of my life, and then I was in L.A. for 15 years.”

Inga Parkel has the story.

Zachary Levi blasts ‘incredibly poor’ leadership for devastating LA wildfires

Hundreds of federal firefighters and aircraft are heading to L.A.

05:30 , Josh Marcus

Jamie Lee Curtis makes massive donation to L.A. fire relief work

05:10 , Josh Marcus

Jamie Lee Curtis has announced a $1 million donation to support a fire relief fund as wave of devastating wildfires continues to burn across Los Angeles.

The Halloween star, 66, was visibly emotional when she appeared on The Tonight Show on Jimmy Fallon on Wednesday night to call for support for those affected.

Now, writing on Instagram, Curtis has announced that she and her husband Christopher Guest are making a substantial donation to help fund recovery efforts.

“As the fire still rages on and @calfire @losangelesfiredepartment and all the available first responders and agencies involved in fighting fire and saving lives are still hard at work and neighbors and friends are banding together to save each other, my husband and I and our children have pledged $1 million from our Family Foundation to start a fund of support for our great city and state and the great people who live and love there,” wrote Curtis.

All the details in our full story.

Jamie Lee Curtis donates seven-figure sum to Los Angeles fire relief efforts

Harry and Meghan speak out on L.A. fires

04:50 , Josh Marcus

The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have issued a formal statement regarding the wave of devastating wildfires that continue to burn across Los Angeles.

Prince Harry and Meghan Markle live in nearby Montecito, California, where they are at risk of having to be evacuated and may face power outages.

A statement posted to their official website on Thursday (January 9) reads: “In the last few days, wildfires in Southern California have raged through neighborhoods and devastated families, homes, schools, medical care centers, and so much more – affecting tens of thousands from all walks of life.

“A state of emergency has been issued.”

The statement goes on to list a number of organisations that are seeking to support those affected by the fire, including Chef José Andrés’ World Central Kitchen, the LA Fire Department Foundation and the Animal Wellness Foundation.

Kevin E G Perry has the details.

Harry and Meghan share heartfelt message to Californians as wildfires rage

WATCH: Aerial view of wildfires blazing across California

04:30 , Josh Marcus

Containment of Palisades fire gradually increasing

04:20 , Josh Marcus

Firefighters are making slow but steady progress containing the Palisades fire.

After spending much of the day at zero percent containment, that figure has moved up to six percent as of Thursday evening, per Cal Fire.

900 additional firefighters deploy to battle Kenneth Fire

04:10 , Josh Marcus

The Kenneth Fire broke out on Thursday outside of Los Angeles near Hidden Hills and Calabasas, joining the multiple blazes already taxing the capabilities of first responders.

An additional 900 firefighters have been sent to battle the fire, California Governor Gavin Newsom announced on Thursday evening.

Elon Musk’s Starlink providing cell service amid L.A. wildfires

04:00 , Josh Marcus

Trump names Fox News alum to post in Justice Department

03:55 , Josh Marcus

Donald Trump named Fox News contributor and attorney Leo Terrell to a senior role in the Justice Department, serving as senior counsel to the assistant attorney general for civil rights.

“Leo is a highly respected civil rights attorney and political analyst,” Trump wrote on Truth Social. “He received his law degree from the University of California, Los Angeles, and has defended many high profile cases throughout his incredibly successful career. Leo will be a fantastic advocate for the American People, and ensure we will, MAKE AMERICA GREAT AGAIN!”

LAPD describes citizens’ arrest of Kenneth Fire arsonist

03:50 , Josh Marcus

The Kenneth Fire, which broke out on the Los Angeles-Ventura County border on Thursday, was allegedly set by an arsonist, according to the LAPD.

A group of citizens then detained the individual, LAPD senior lead officer Charles Dinsel said on Thursday.

California officials brief Biden on L.A. fires

03:30 , Josh Marcus

President Biden is working with California officials to respond to the Los Angeles fires.

Here’s the latest on his activities, per the White House.

Today President Biden spoke by phone separately with California Governor Gavin Newsom, Senator Adam Schiff, Congressman Brad Sherman, Congressman Ted Lieu, Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass, and Los Angeles County Supervisors Hilda Solis and Kathryn Barger to discuss the latest updates on the wildfires across Los Angeles.

L.A. fires death toll rises to seven: report

03:10 , Josh Marcus

A second person has died in the Palisades Fire, CNN reports, bringing the estimated death toll from the L.A. fires to seven.

Here’s what we know about the victims.

What we know about the victims of the most destructive fire in LA history

Fire meteorologist predicts ‘last uptick’ in winds before ‘very calm’ conditions

02:45 , Josh Marcus

The powerful Santa Ana winds that helped spread the fires burning around Los Angeles are expected to briefly pick back up overnight, before leveling off later in the week, according to a Cal Fire meteorologist.

“When the [Palisades] fire broke out, the area was under an extremely strong Santa Ana wind event and strong red flag conditions,” Rich Thompson said during a community briefing on Thursday, noting winds could reach 30 to 45 mph.

There will be “one last little uptick” in the Santa Anas overnight, and continued red flag conditions indicating high fire danger until 6 p.m. tomorrow evening, Thompson said.

Later in the week, an onshore sea breeze and “very calm, very quiet” conditions are expected.

Unfortunately, powerful winds will return by Sunday and extend into next week.

WATCH: Cal Fire updates community on Palisades fire

02:34 , Josh Marcus

What to know about the new Kenneth Fire

02:20 , Josh Marcus

Firefighters are battling a new fire on the outskirts of Los Angeles.

The Kenneth Fire began around 3:30 p.m. and has now burned 960 acres near the Los Angeles-Ventura County line, according to Cal Fire.

“Fanned by strong Santa Ana winds, the fire threatens nearby communities and infrastructure, prompting swift evacuation orders,” the agency wrote on its website. “Firefighters from Los Angeles and Ventura counties are actively engaged in containment efforts, deploying both ground crews and aerial resources.”

The blaze is burning near the Las Virgenes Canyon Open Space Preserve, threatening homes in the nearby communities of Hidden Hills, Woodland Hills, and West Hills, according to the Los Angeles Times.

California Governor Gavin Newsom on Thursday announced 900 firefighters would be deployed to fight the Kenneth Fire.

Harris cancels foreign trip as fires rage in Los Angeles

02:10 , Josh Marcus

Vice President Kamala Harris and Second Gentleman Doug Emhoff have canceled an upcoming foreign trip as fires rage in Los Angeles, Harris’s office said.

“In response to the historic wildfires in Los Angeles, the Vice President has made the decision to cancel her and the Second Gentleman’s upcoming trip to Singapore, Bahrain, and Germany,” it wrote in a statement. “She will remain in the United States to support the federal response in California.”

How California firefighters stopped the Sunset Fire

01:50 , Josh Marcus

In a rare bit of good news, fire crews were able to contain the Sunset Fire to just 43 acres, as other blazes rage across Los Angeles.

Here’s how it went down, according to California Governor Gavin Newsom.

Numerous L.A. residents received mistaken evacuation alert

01:30 , Josh Marcus

In addition to the very real threat of the multiple fires converging on L.A., Angelenos on Thursday also had to deal with a fake evacuation alert.

“I have been informed the evacuation warning that many of us just received on our phones was mistakenly issued countywide due to a technical error,” L.A. County Supervisor Janice Hahn confirmed on Thursday.

Cal Fire encouraged by lower winds

01:10 , Josh Marcus

A Cal Fire official said Thursday the agency got a “great” pause in high winds to launch further fire-fighting efforts, relaxed weather conditions that may continue through the night.

“We’re optimistic about tonight,” battalion chief Brent Pascua told CNN. “We’re not going to see those 80 mph winds that are knocking over trees.”

Death toll ‘will rise’ in coming days: sheriff

00:50 , Josh Marcus

At least six people have died so far in the Los Angeles fires, but that figure could rise in the coming days, according to officials.

“I think the death toll will rise,” L.A. County Sheriff Robert Luna said at a Thursday new conference. “I hope I’m wrong.”

The six deaths represent a likely undercount.

“Right now, frankly, we don’t know yet,” he added.

What we know about the victims of the most destructive fire in LA history

Beyoncé’s mother loses Malibu house in fires: ‘It was my favorite place'

00:30 , Josh Marcus

Tina Knowles, mother of pop star Beyoncé, is one of many notable people around the L.A. area who have lost their homes in the recent fires.

“It was my favorite place, my sanctuary , my sacred Happy Place,” Knowles wrote on Instagram, sharing a tranquil video of the view from before her Malibu bungalow burned down. “Now it is gone.”

“This could have been so much worse with out the dedication of the disaster workers and first responders,” she added. “I’m so sad for the people who lost the five family members. My deepest Prayers are with you !!!!!!”

Video: Fire-fighting plane scoops ocean water near World Central Kitchen site

00:10 , Josh Marcus

Chef José Andrés’s World Central Kitchen nonprofit is on the scene near the Palisades fire providing food to first responders.

As chefs worked to feed the firefighters, water-scooping firefighting planes dipped into the nearby Pacific Ocean.

Evacuations ordered in area near Kenneth Fire

Thursday 9 January 2025 23:50 , Josh Marcus

Emergency officials have ordered the evacuation of those in the Van Owen, City Border, Burbank, and Valley Ricle areas due to te “rapidaly moving” Kenneth Fire.

The fire broke out in Woodland Hills, near the border of Los Angeles and Ventura counties, earlier today.

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