In a stunning act of courage, Los Angeles residents took matters into their own hands when a man reportedly tried to ignite a fire in their Woodland Hills neighborhood. The dramatic incident unfolded Thursday afternoon as California battled the latest wildfire, the Kenneth Fire, which has already scorched 960 acres and threatens homes in the San Fernando Valley and Calabasas areas.
The chaotic scene began around 4:30 p.m. near Arcos Drive and Galendo Street. According to reports, a man armed with a blowtorch was attempting to set fire to Christmas trees and garbage piles in the area. This act of arson occurred at nearly the same time as the Kenneth Fire erupted, raising concerns that the suspect might be connected to the growing wildfire.
The Kenneth Fire, which ignited earlier that day, has become the latest blaze in Southern California’s ongoing wildfire crisis. Rapidly spreading due to dry conditions and strong winds, it has forced residents to evacuate and put emergency services on high alert.
While authorities were en route, local residents didn’t wait for help to arrive. Instead, they sprang into action, physically subduing the man and preventing him from causing further damage.
Renata Grinshpun, a Woodland Hills resident, recounted the tense moments to KTLA.
“We were sitting in the backyard, and suddenly we hear a car screech to a halt,” she said. “A man jumped out, shouting, ‘Stop! Drop what you’re holding! Neighbors, he’s trying to start a fire! Call 911!’”
Grinshpun described how the community rallied together. “We really banded together as a group,” she said. “A few gentlemen surrounded him, got him on his knees, and used zip ties and a rope to perform a citizen’s arrest.”
Exclusive footage obtained by FOX LA shows the intense moment when neighbors confronted the suspect. The man, holding what appeared to be a flamethrower-like device, resisted attempts to stop him.
One witness told FOX LA that the suspect seemed determined. “He was very focused on moving forward,” they said. “He kept saying, ‘I can’t stop. I’m not putting this down. I’m doing this.’”
The witness described their response: “We told him, ‘We can’t be doing that right now.’”
The neighbors’ quick thinking and bravery ensured that the suspect could not proceed with his plans.
NEW: @FOXLA has exclusively obtained video of a man carrying a blow torch in Woodland Hills, CA Thursday not far from the Kenneth Fire. LAPD says the man is in custody but “can’t confirm any connection to any fire by this suspect”. #CaliforniaWildfires #KennethFire pic.twitter.com/ULwxtnfsdj
— Matthew Seedorff (@MattSeedorff) January 10, 2025
Police arrived shortly after the suspect was subdued and took him into custody. While authorities have not confirmed a direct link between the man and the Kenneth Fire, a police source told FOX 11 that the suspect might be connected. However, further investigation is needed to establish any definitive ties.
The suspect’s motives remain unclear. Some speculate he may have been acting out of mental instability, while others fear he could be part of a larger arson plot connected to the wildfire.
The incident has left the Woodland Hills community shaken but also proud of their collective efforts. In a time of crisis, their willingness to step up and protect their neighborhood has drawn praise from across the city.
“This could have been catastrophic,” said another resident. “But thanks to everyone working together, we stopped it before it could get worse.”
Meanwhile, the Kenneth Fire continues to rage, consuming nearly 1,000 acres and threatening homes in surrounding areas. Firefighters are working tirelessly to contain the blaze, which is exacerbated by strong winds and dry conditions typical of California’s wildfire season.
Officials have urged residents in nearby areas to remain vigilant, prepare for possible evacuation orders, and report any suspicious activity. The fire serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing challenges California faces in battling wildfires and the dangers posed by arsonists during these critical periods.
Incidents like this highlight the importance of community vigilance and preparedness in times of crisis. While the bravery of these Woodland Hills residents prevented potential devastation, the threat of wildfires and the individuals who may contribute to them remain a pressing concern for the state.
As investigations continue, residents are left grappling with the dual challenges of natural disasters and human-made threats. The incident serves as a reminder of the need for communities to remain united and proactive in the face of danger.
For now, the heroic actions of these neighbors stand as a testament to the power of collective effort in safeguarding lives and homes. As one resident put it, “In moments like this, we realize just how much we rely on each other to stay safe.”
