Authorities have arrested a suspect in connection with the devastating Palisades Fire that raged through Los Angeles in January 2025, claiming 12 lives and destroying thousands of homes. The arrest was confirmed by law enforcement but the identity of the individual has not yet been publicly disclosed.
The fire began on January 7 in the Palisades Highlands, near an area where a smaller brush fire had burned just a week before. Reports indicate that fireworks had been set off on New Year’s Eve, prior to the smaller fire’s outbreak.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) have been leading the investigation to determine whether embers from the New Year’s fire reignited the Palisades Fire. Investigators are expected to provide more details during a press conference.
The wildfire burned over 23,000 acres, destroyed nearly 7,000 structures, and forced tens of thousands to evacuate. Alongside the Palisades Fire, the Eaton Fire erupted on the same day, killing 19 people.
