Authorities identify 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht as the individual responsible for igniting the fire that devastated much of the Pacific Palisades area.
Published On 8 Oct 2025
California officials have formally charged a man in connection with a fire that escalated into the most catastrophic wildfire in Los Angeles history, ravaging large portions of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, according to federal law enforcement sources.
Jonathan Rinderknecht, aged 29, is accused of starting a blaze on New Year’s Day that was initially extinguished but continued to smolder underground. It later reignited amid strong winds, acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli revealed during a press briefing on Wednesday.
After igniting the fire, Rinderknecht left the scene but returned to the same hiking trail to observe the flames, Essayli added. When questioned by investigators, he provided false information about his whereabouts, claiming he was near the trail’s base.
Rinderknecht was apprehended in Florida on Tuesday and was scheduled for a court appearance on Wednesday. Details on the exact method used to start the fire have not been disclosed by authorities.
The wildfire, which erupted on January 7, resulted in 12 fatalities and destroyed over 6,000 residences and structures in the affluent coastal community of Pacific Palisades. The fire swept through hillside neighborhoods, consuming luxury homes with panoramic views of the ocean and downtown Los Angeles.
Investigators concluded the fire was deliberately set, likely using a lighter to ignite dry vegetation or paper, as outlined in the criminal complaint.
Rinderknecht was first interviewed by authorities on January 24, during which he admitted to being in the vicinity on January 1 but denied seeing anyone else present.
Other potential causes such as fireworks, lightning strikes, and electrical power lines were ruled out by investigators. The possibility of a cigarette causing the fire was also examined and dismissed.
The origin of a second fire, known as the Eaton Fire, which ignited the same day in Altadena and claimed 18 lives, remains undetermined.
Both wildfires raged for several days, leaving entire neighborhoods reduced to ash and rubble.
A report released in September highlighted that outdated emergency alert protocols and insufficient resources contributed to delayed evacuation notices.
Commissioned by Los Angeles County supervisors, the review identified multiple shortcomings, including “obsolete policies, inconsistent procedures, and communication gaps,” which hindered the county’s emergency response efforts.
