As the fires continue to burn in LA, firebugs are making the most of the situation. A viral video has emerged appearing to show arsonists setting more fires in areas around LA amid arrests made for the Kenneth fire.
The video leaked on X, shows a fire being started in an empty lot in Santa Monica Blvd, LA. Andrew D. Huberman, the man shooting the video, mentions that the fire was started by arsonists, rather than the traveling wildfires. The fire department was aware and on the way.
However, if this is indeed the case, it is a worrying situation for the city. LA and California as a whole, are already stretched thin. Water is running out, and every available fire resource is being used to combat the raging wildfires. The last thing the city needs is arsonists starting new fires in residential areas.
Arsonist Arrested For Kenneth Fire
The death toll of the LA wildfires has doubled as the Kenneth fire continues to spread through residential areas. Police have arrested one suspected arsonist for starting a fire near the blaze. They were caught by residents as they attempted to set fire to more property.
The arsonist was detained by pedestrians and held down until the police arrived. Police have confirmed that a person is being detained for allegedly starting a fire in the Woodland area, close to the Kenneth fire. If found guilty, they could be charged with arson.
The penalty for this act can be as strict as homicide and can result in life imprisonment. Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman has spoken out about the spate of crime that has come as a result of the LA wildfires.
"Our goal is to send this warning," he stated." Whether it's looting, these internet scams, robbery, or future arsons. ... The day and age of a DA's office standing on the sidelines is over. We want to bring justice, and we will."
However, arsonists are not the only thing threatening LA as the wildfires continue to burn. There have also been reports of looting, scams, and theft across the affected areas. As police and emergency services have their efforts drawn to the burning areas, opportunists are moving in.
