LOS ANGELES - Jonathan Rinderknecht, a 29-year-old man accused of setting the most destructive blaze in Los Angeles history, likely used a lighter to start a small fire on New Year’s Day that smoldered underground for days before reigniting in high winds and killing 12 people, federal authorities said Wednesday.

The blaze, known as the Palisades Fire, was one of two major infernos that erupted Jan. 7, together killing more than 30 people and destroying thousands of homes across Los Angeles County. The fire tore through affluent coastal neighborhoods, leveling mansions with sweeping ocean views and reducing schools, businesses and churches to ash.

Arrest made in relation to Palisades Fire

Rinderknecht was arrested Tuesday in Florida and was scheduled to appear in court there Wednesday.

Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced that Jonathan Rinderknecht has been charged with malicious destruction by means of fire, a federal offense carrying a minimum sentence of five years in prison. Investigators allege Rinderknecht lit the Jan. 1 fire that was initially extinguished by fire crews but reignited nearly a week later, rapidly spreading through the hillside communities of Pacific Palisades and Malibu.

What we know about the suspect

During a Wednesday news conference, Essayli said Rinderknecht had been working as an Uber driver when he dropped off a passenger in Pacific Palisades early on Jan. 1. After parking his car, he walked up a nearby hiking trail, where he recorded videos on his iPhone and watched a rap music video showing objects being set on fire, prosecutors said.

“He left as soon as he saw the fire trucks were headed to the location. He turned around and went back up there. And he took some video and watched them fight the fire,” Essayli said.

According to the criminal complaint, Rinderknecht made several 911 calls to report the blaze. During an interview with investigators on Jan. 24, he described the fire’s point of origin — information that had not been made public — suggesting he had been at the scene. He initially lied about his location, claiming he had been near the bottom of the trail, Essayli said.

The complaint described Rinderknecht as “visibly anxious” during questioning and noted he appeared to be trying to create an alibi. Investigators found that he had used the AI chatbot ChatGPT to ask whether a cigarette could start a wildfire, which they said indicated an attempt to provide “a more innocent explanation for the cause of the fire.”

What caused the Palisades Fire?

Fire experts determined the blaze was deliberately set, likely using a lighter to ignite vegetation or paper. Investigators ruled out other potential causes, including fireworks, power lines, lightning and discarded cigarettes.

A search of Rinderknecht’s car on Jan. 24 uncovered a barbecue-style lighter in the glove compartment. Investigators said the lighter appeared identical to one seen in a photo taken in his apartment on Dec. 31. He admitted bringing a lighter with him on his hike that morning.

Authorities have not linked Rinderknecht to a second fire, known as the Eaton Fire, which broke out the same day in the foothill community of Altadena and killed 19 people. That fire remains under investigation.

When was the Palisades Fire extinguished?

Both blazes burned for days, destroying more than 6,000 structures and leaving entire neighborhoods in ruins. The Palisades fire was fully contained on January 31, 2025, after burning for about 24 days.

Rebuilding has begun in some areas, but local officials say recovery could take years, with many homeowners unable to afford reconstruction despite insurance coverage. (Source: Newsweek)

Story Date: October 14, 2025