Another Arson Sus.pe.ct Arr.e.sted as California Wildfires Spread

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.

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.

While officials have yet to confirm whether arson is responsible for the widespread fires, suspicions of intentional ignition have circulated widely on social media. Authorities continue to investigate the origins of the blazes.

Mandich was booked into Ventura County Jail on a felony charge of arson under California Penal Code 451(d) and is scheduled to appear in Ventura County Superior Court. Authorities say the fire, which started on January 8, was quickly extinguished by the Los Angeles County Fire Department.

Mandich's arrest is the second since the fires began. Earlier this week, law enforcement detained a man near the Kenneth Fire in Woodland Hills on suspicion of arson. However, following further investigation, Los Angeles Police Department officials determined there was insufficient probable cause to charge him with arson.

"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.

The fires have forced over 100,000 people to evacuate and led to the closure of multiple state parks, including Will Rogers State Historic Park, Topanga State Park, Malibu Creek State Park, and Chino Hills State Park. Firefighters continue to battle the blazes, with containment efforts still ongoing.

Los Angeles District Attorney Nathan Hochman said during a press conference: "If it is determined that there is a manmade or intentional setting of any of the fires in this situation, the people who committed this arson will be arrested. They will be prosecuted. They will be punished to the full extent of the law. Right now, obviously, law enforcement and firefighters are focused on containing these properties, saving lives, saving homes. But eventually, we will get to the causes of those fires, and that part the DA's office will be working with law enforcement to go after anyone who is guilty of the crime of arson."

Actor Henry Winkler, best known for his role in the 1970s-1980s sitcom Happy Days, posted to X, formerly Twitter: "THERE IS an ARSONIST here in LA . May you be beaten you unrecognizable !!! The pain you have caused !!!"

Authorities urge the public to remain vigilant during ongoing red flag warnings and to report any suspicious activity. California State Parks has closed several locations as a precaution, with Leo Carrillo State Park's campground set to remain closed through at least January 10.

Fire investigators continue to assess the damage and determine the cause of the fires, while officials warn that dangerous conditions persist due to high winds and dry vegetation. Emergency services remain focused on containment efforts and assisting displaced residents.

The LAPD has launched an arson investigation at Victory Trailhead, where the Kenneth fire began, according to Entin.

"What we know right now is that the incident occurred, started here and about 20 minutes, 30 minutes later, a suspect was detained over in Woodland Hills area by citizens," Dinsel said.

Asked if the Kenneth fire was intentionally set, Dinsel said: "At this time, that's what we believe."

He said how and why the fire started was not yet clear, but he confirmed that the area has been designated a crime scene.

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.

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."

The arson investigation remains underway. Police have yet to provide further details about the suspect.