A homeless man suspected of attempting to ignite a fire with a “flamethrower” was restrained and zip-tied by residents in West Hills, Los Angeles, as wildfires continued to spread. Witnesses reported the man carrying a “large propane tank or flamethrower” before being apprehended by concerned locals.
“We really banded together,” Renata Grinshpun told KTLA. “A few gentlemen surrounded him and got him on his knees.” The suspect was interviewed by police but was not charged due to insufficient probable cause. However, he was arrested for a felony probation violation, and the investigation remains ongoing.
The incident occurred near the Kenneth fire, which broke out on Thursday afternoon. Firefighters battled the blaze as it burned over 1,000 acres by Friday evening, with containment at 35%.
Wildfires began earlier that week, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds and dry vegetation. The Palisades and Eaton fires rapidly spread, scorching tens of thousands of acres and forcing mass evacuations. By Wednesday, four fires were burning, with additional smaller blazes emerging. Thousands of residents fled their homes as flames engulfed neighborhoods, leaving widespread destruction.
California Governor Gavin Newsom expressed optimism about firefighting progress but faced criticism over the state’s response. As Hollywood landmarks came under threat, the fires remained largely uncontrolled, marking one of the most devastating wildfire events in Los Angeles history.