10/08/2025

Authorities Charge Man with Sparking Deadly January Wildfire

The wildfire leveled Los Angeles neighborhoods

A 29-year-old man has been charged with sparking California’s deadly Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in its history, authorities said Wednesday.

Federal officials said Jonathan Rinderknecht, who lived in the area, started a small fire on New Year’s Day that smoldered underground before reigniting nearly a week later and roaring through Pacific Palisades, home to many of Los Angeles’ rich and famous.

The fire that left 12 dead in the hillside neighborhoods across Pacific Palisades and Malibu was one of two blazes that broke out on Jan. 7, killing more than 30 people in all and destroying more than 17,000 homes and buildings while burning for days in Los Angeles County.

Please select this link to read the complete article from The Associated Press.