Homeless man suspected of trying to start fire in LA with flamethrower

Residents in West Hills, Los Angeles, zip-tied and restrained a homeless man who they believed was trying to start a fire with a “flamethrower” as wildfires raged on. Before being taken into custody by worried residents, witnesses claimed the man was carrying a “large propane tank or flamethrower.”

Renata Grinshpun told KTLA, “We truly came together as a team.” “He was surrounded by a few gentlemen who made him kneel.” Police interviewed the suspect, but there was not enough probable cause to charge him. But the investigation is still ongoing, and he was arrested for violating felony probation.

The incident happened close to the Thursday afternoon fire in Kenneth. By Friday evening, firefighters were fighting the fire, which had burned over 1,000 acres and was 35% contained.

Earlier that week, dry vegetation and powerful Santa Ana winds fueled the start of wildfires. Mass evacuations were necessary as the Palisades and Eaton fires quickly spread, scorching tens of thousands of acres. Four fires were raging by Wednesday, and more small fires were starting to appear. As neighborhoods were engulfed in flames, causing extensive damage, thousands of residents had to evacuate their homes.

Although he was criticized for the state’s response, California Governor Gavin Newsom voiced optimism about the state’s firefighting progress. One of the most destructive wildfire events in Los Angeles history occurred as the fires remained mostly uncontrolled, posing a threat to Hollywood landmarks.