Residents in West Hills, Los Angeles, restrained a homeless man they believed was trying to start a fire using a “flamethrower.” Witnesses reported he was carrying a large propane tank, but police found insufficient evidence to charge him with arson. He was arrested for violating felony probation, and the investigation remains ongoing.

The incident occurred near the Kenneth fire, which had burned over 1,000 acres by Friday evening and was 35% contained. Earlier in the week, dry vegetation and strong Santa Ana winds fueled wildfires, prompting mass evacuations as fires scorched tens of thousands of acres.

By Wednesday, four major fires had erupted, forcing thousands to flee their homes as neighborhoods were engulfed in flames. The Palisades and Eaton fires caused extensive damage, with small fires continuing to appear.

Governor Gavin Newsom, while criticized for the state’s response, expressed optimism about firefighting progress. However, the fires remain largely uncontrolled, marking one of the most destructive wildfire events in Los Angeles history.