Residents in the Woodland Hills area of West Hill apprehended the man before contacting emergency services.
Charles Dinsel, the senior lead officer in charge of the investigation, confirmed that the arrest was made after the suspect was reportedly seen trying to start a fire.
A spokesperson for the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) stated, “Approximately 20 to 30 minutes later, a suspect was detained in the Woodland Hills area by citizens. It is being investigated as a crime.”
To combat the Kenneth Fire, over 900 Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) personnel were dispatched, joining thousands already working to contain other rapidly spreading wildfires in the region.
Local authorities are currently looking into the possibility that the initial Palisades fire may have been caused by arson. Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley informed CNN that 21 officials are now involved in the investigation.
The confirmed death toll has reached 10, but it is anticipated to rise.
The remains of several victims are still being identified, according to the County of Los Angeles Medical Examiner’s office.
