alifornia State Parks announced Friday the arrest of Gloria Lynn Mandich, 60, in connection with a brush fire that ignited near Leo Carrillo State Park in Los Angeles County.
Newsweek reached out to local authorities for comment via email on Friday afternoon.Why It Matters
The arrest comes as California continues to battle multiple destructive wildfires, fueled by strong Santa Ana winds and dry conditions. Thousands of acres have burned, prompting evacuation orders and widespread damage, including at Topanga State Park and Will Rogers State Historic Park.
The latest fires have already resulted in at least 10 confirmed deaths and destroyed more than 10,000 structures across the region, according to officials. California Governor Gavin Newsom has declared a state of emergency, and President Joe Biden has approved a major disaster declaration.
“After the interview 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,” LAPD Assistant Chief Dominic Choi said during a press conference, per KTLA.
He said how and why the fire started was not yet clear, but he confirmed that the area has been designated a crime scene.
A Cal Fire helicopter flies near plumes of smoke from the Kenneth fire in West Hills, California, on January 9, 2025. An arson investigation is under way in connection with the fire. David Swanson/AFP via Getty Images
The suspect’s identity has not been released, and an LAPD official earlier told Newsweek that the department is “continuing our investigation and cannot confirm any connection to any fire by this suspect at this time.”
The official said that “a male was heard stating a suspect was attempting to light a fire” at the 21700 block of Ybarra Road in in Woodland Hills in 4:30 p.m. radio call on Thursday.
The official said officers arrived at the scene and took one person into custody.What People Are Saying
Renata Grinshpun, who witnessed the suspect being detained, told KTLA: “We were sitting in the backyard and suddenly, we hear a car come to a screeching halt and the guy is running out saying, ‘Stop! Drop what you’re holding! Neighbors, he’s trying to start a fire! Call 911!”
The man had what appeared to be a large “propane tank or a flamethrower” and a neighbor saw him trying to light an object on fire behind a vehicle, she said.
She added: “We really banded together as a group. A few gentlemen surrounded him and got him on his knees. They got some zip ties, a rope and we were able to do a citizens’ arrest.”
California Governor Gavin Newsom wrote on X on Thursday night: “The #KennethFire is 1,000 acres and now 35 percent contained. The forward rate of spread has been stopped.
“Grateful for the heroic firefighters from Los Angeles and Ventura counties who are actively engaged on the scene, deploying both ground crews and aerial resources.”What’s Next