Residents in West Hills, Los Angeles, restrained a homeless man
they believed was trying to start a fire with a “flamethrower” amid
ongoing wildfires. Witnesses reported he carried a “large propane
tank or flamethrower.” Police arrested him for violating felony
probation but lacked probable cause for further charges.
The incident occurred near a Kenneth-area fire on Thursday, which had burned over 1,000
acres by Friday evening and was 35% contained. Earlier that week, dry vegetation and Santa Ana
winds fueled wildfires, prompting mass evacuations as fires spread rapidly, burning tens of thousands
of acres. Governor Gavin Newsom faced criticism for the response but remained
optimistic as Los Angeles battled one of its most destructive wildfire events
