While the Kenneth Fire was burning Thursday afternoon, the Los Angeles Police Department is still investigating a guy who may have committed arson in Woodland Hills.
According to Assistant Chief Dominic Choi, a man was arrested Thursday afternoon near Woodland Hills, where the blaze was burning, for allegedly trying to start a fire.
Around 2:30 p.m., the Kenneth Fire broke out along the West Hills border between Ventura County and the city of Los Angeles. Around 4:30 p.m., according to Choi, a 911 call was placed reporting that a man was attempting to start a fire, and locals were holding him.
When police arrived, they arrested the man. “After the interview (with the arson suspect) and additional investigative steps, looking at some additional evidence that was present, they made the determination that there was not enough probable cause to arrest this person on arson or suspicion of arson, and therefore this person was arrested on felony probation violation,” said Choi.
The investigation is still going on, he said. “I would like to thank those community members that were involved in this and helping us, bring this person to our attention so we can have a thorough investigation.”
In the West Hills region, the Kenneth Fire destroyed 1,000 acres, necessitating evacuations. Around 8 p.m. on Thursday, the orders were withdrawn, and as of Friday, the fire is 35% contained.