Summary
Authorities charged Jonathan Rinderknecht with starting a fire that became the worst in Los Angeles history. The fire, which reignited due to strong winds, destroyed much of the Pacific Palisades and led to 12 deaths. Rinderknecht was arrested in Florida and is accused of intentionally setting the fire.
Key Facts
- Jonathan Rinderknecht was charged with starting a massive fire in Los Angeles.
- The fire started on New Year’s Day and worsened due to high winds.
- It destroyed more than 6,000 homes and buildings in the Pacific Palisades area.
- Twelve people died as a result of the fire.
- Rinderknecht was arrested in Florida and charged with intentionally setting the fire.
- Investigators believe he used a lighter to ignite vegetation or paper.
- The cause of a second fire on the same day, the Eaton Fire, is still unknown.
- An outside review highlighted outdated policies and communication issues that delayed emergency responses.
