Los Angeles wildfires: Homeowners confront man they believe is arsonist as celebrities fuel firebug theories
Share and Follow

A group of Los Angeles residents confronted and apprehended a man they believe may be an arsonist responsible for setting one of multiple wildfires in Southern California, video shows.

Los Angeles police have a man in custody after a group of good Samaritans grabbed him near the Kenneth Fire, allegedly carrying a blowtorch, according to video from FOX 11 Los Angeles.

The video shows a man who appears to be holding a torch head and a yellow fuel tank. At least five residents surround him and tackle him to the ground.

Police said it was too early to confirm he was connected to any fires.

Fire personnel respond to homes destroyed

Fire personnel respond to homes destroyed while a helicopter drops water as the Palisades Fire grows in Pacific Palisades, California on Jan. 7, 2025. (DAVID SWANSON/AFP via Getty Images)

Craig Paul, who runs ASC Private Security, said he spent all day Thursday trying to get clearance for more of his teams to enter restricted areas.

“We have many clients in the burn area that we provide guard service for every day, from 12 to 24 hours,” he told Fox News Digital. “As if the residents aren’t going through hell already, they are now learning of the looting and calling me in a panic for us to get back up there to protect what they have left.”

Raging fire devours home

A home is engulfed in flames during the Eaton fire in the Altadena area of Los Angeles County, California on January 8, 2025 (JOSH EDELSON/AFP via Getty Images)

He said he also has new potential clients asking for help in the Pacific Palisades community, but he is having trouble getting authorization.

“I have the staff ready and eager to work but the officials won’t allow us,” he said.

Fox News’ Matt Finn contributed to this report.

Share and Follow
You May Also Like
Who would rule Iran if the Islamic Republic falls?

Who Might Lead Iran if the Islamic Republic Ends?

As protests against the government continue to ignite across Iran, speculation grows…
'Monster' who drowned his Westernised daughter in a swamp

Father Convicted of Drowning Daughter in Swamp in Cultural Conflict Case

Sumaia al Najjar and her husband went through great hardships to flee…
Over 60,000 DR Power leaf vacuums recalled for laceration hazard

Major Recall Alert: Over 60,000 DR Power Leaf Vacuums Recalled Due to Serious Laceration Risk

Leaf vacuums ranging in price from $1,300 to $4,000 were available for…
I forked over thousands on a nose job... but I instantly regretted it

I Invested Thousands in Rhinoplasty, Only to Experience Immediate Regret

Investing a significant sum on a nose surgery, one woman candidly revealed…
Nikki Glaser makes A-listers GROAN as she makes Epstein files joke

Nikki Glaser Sparks Controversy with Bold Epstein Files Joke at Star-Studded Event

Golden Globes host Nikki Glaser kicked off the 2026 ceremony with a…
DEA zeroes in on Cartel of the Suns bosses as Maduro is hauled into US narco case

DEA Targets Cartel of the Suns Leaders as Maduro is Implicated in U.S. Narcotics Case

The dramatic early-morning arrest of Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro has reverberated across…
Why political assassination cases aren't automatically death penalty eligible

Reevaluating Justice: Why Political Assassinations Don’t Always Lead to Death Penalty Sentences

The alleged murder plots involving Luigi Mangione and Tyler Robinson were meticulously…
Our Chicago: The 2026 Great Chicago Blood Drive

Mark Your Calendars: The Great Chicago Blood Drive Returns in 2026!

The Great Chicago Blood Drive is scheduled for January 14th and 15th,…