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
Amy Schumer deletes all pre-weight loss photos from social media

Amy Schumer Removes Pre-Weight Loss Photos from Social Media: Here’s Why

Amy Schumer is ushering in a new chapter, making a bold move…
Office of the Inspector General urges Chicago Public Schools to reform travel policies after expenses spike

Inspector General Calls for Urgent Reform of Chicago Public Schools’ Travel Policies Amid Rising Expenses

CHICAGO — A recent report from Chicago’s Office of the Inspector General…
LA firefighters warned brush fire was still smoldering before it sparked Palisades blaze, but officials did nothing: report

Report Reveals Ignored Warnings of Smoldering Brush Fire Prior to Palisades Blaze Eruption

In the wake of the devastating Palisades fire, questions are arising about…
Dave Plier gives ABC7 tour of revitalized Museum of Broadcast Communications in West Loop, Chicago

Dave Plier Showcases Revitalized Museum of Broadcast Communications in Chicago’s West Loop on ABC7

The Museum of Broadcast Communications has reopened its doors in Chicago’s West…
Trump pardons athlete facing charges for 'illegal' shortcut during run

Trump’s Controversial Pardon: Athlete Cleared of Charges for ‘Illegal’ Race Shortcut

In an unexpected turn of events, former President Donald Trump has granted…
Turning Point USA: Fights break out, multiple people arrested as event sparks protest at UC Berkeley, California

Protests Erupt at UC Berkeley Event Hosted by Turning Point USA, Leading to Arrests

BERKELEY, Calif. — Turning Point USA concluded its nationwide campus tour on…
Carnival Cruise passenger who died onboard identified as high school cheerleader, FBI investigating

FBI Probes Tragic Onboard Death of High School Cheerleader on Carnival Cruise

The passenger who tragically lost her life aboard the Carnival Horizon has…
James Van Der Beek forced to auction off Dawson's Creek keepsakes

James Van Der Beek to Auction Beloved Dawson’s Creek Memorabilia

James Van Der Beek is auctioning a selection of memorabilia from his…