Residents in the Woodland Hills area of Los Angeles did a citizens arrest on Thursday after confronting a man allegedly wielding a propane blowtorch or “flamethrower” as authorities separately investigate the cause of the devastating Kenneth wildfire.
Community members detained the suspect, described as a homeless man in his thirties, after reportedly seeing him attempting to set fire to an object behind a vehicle.
The incident occurred as firefighters battled the Kenneth Fire, which has forced evacuations in nearby Calabasas and Hidden Hills.
"A few gentlemen surrounded him and got him on his knees," resident Renata Grinshpun told KTLA.
"They got some zip ties, a rope, and we were able to do a citizens arrest."
Witnesses reported the man was riding a bicycle while carrying what appeared to be a propane tank or flamethrower device.
According to accounts provided to FOX 11, the suspect repeatedly stated "I can't stop" when confronted by residents.
The Los Angeles Police Department confirmed they are investigating the Kenneth Fire as a potential arson case.
LAPD Senior Lead Officer Charles Dinsel told NewsNation that authorities have taken a suspect into custody who they believe intentionally started the blaze, though officials have not confirmed whether this individual is connected to the Woodland Hills incident.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau spoke about the Los Angeles fires during a CNN interview on Thursday, blaming climate change for the fires.
"Climate change means they're gonna get steadily worse, and we have to keep stepping up in fighting climate change," said Trudeau.
The Kenneth Fire continues to spread rapidly with 900 firefighters deployed from other parts of southern California to protect properties and contain the flames.
Authorities have closed the area around Victory Trailhead for an arson investigation.
LAPD spokesman Drake Madison urged caution regarding any connection between the detained individual and the wildfire, stating, "We cannot confirm any connection to any fire at this time."
No motive for the alleged arson has been released.
