Man Charged with Sparking Los Angeles’s Most Destructive Fire, Claiming 12 Lives
A California man has been charged with intentionally starting a fire on New Year’s Day that escalated into the most devastating blaze in Los Angeles history, resulting in 12 fatalities and the destruction of over 6,000 homes and buildings in the Pacific Palisades.
Authorities announced the charges Wednesday against 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht, alleging he ignited a fire that initially appeared extinguished but reignited days later during high winds, ultimately becoming known as the Palisades Fire. The blaze, which erupted on January 7, 2025, ravaged the wealthy coastal neighborhood, consuming mansions with panoramic views.
According to acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, Rinderknecht initially fled the scene after lighting the fire but later returned to observe it burning. During questioning, investigators say he provided a false alibi, claiming to have been at the bottom of the hiking trail. He was arrested Tuesday in Florida and was scheduled to appear in court Wednesday.
The investigation revealed the fire was intentionally set, likely using a lighter to ignite vegetation or paper, as detailed in a criminal complaint. Investigators interviewed Rinderknecht on January 24, 2025, at which time he stated he was alone in the area and did not encounter anyone else.
Investigators meticulously ruled out other potential causes, including fireworks, lightning strikes, and power line malfunctions. They also determined a discarded cigarette was not the source of the ignition.
Tragically, the Palisades Fire was not an isolated incident. On the same day, another blaze – the Eaton Fire – erupted in the community of Altadena, claiming 18 lives. Authorities have yet to determine the cause of the Eaton Fire. Both fires burned for days, leaving vast areas reduced to ash and debris.
An independent review released in September 2025 identified critical shortcomings in the county’s emergency response, citing a lack of resources and outdated emergency alert policies as contributing factors to delayed evacuation warnings. The report, commissioned by Los Angeles County supervisors, highlighted “outdated policies, inconsistent practices and communications vulnerabilities” that hampered the overall response.
The charges against Rinderknecht represent a significant step toward accountability for the immense loss and devastation caused by the Palisades Fire. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities continue to seek answers regarding the Eaton Fire.
