29-Year-Old Arrested for Starting the Devastating Palisades Fire That Destroyed Thousands of Homes in Los Angeles
Los Angeles authorities have arrested a 29-year-old Florida man accused of deliberately igniting the massive Palisades Fire in early January 2025, a blaze that consumed over 23,000 acres, killed 12 people, and destroyed more than 6,800 structures in Pacific Palisades and surrounding areas. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough in a nine-month federal and local investigation into one of California’s most destructive wildfires.
Background of the Palisades Fire
The Palisades Fire began on January 7, 2025, in the Santa Monica Mountains and rapidly spread through the Pacific Palisades, Topanga, and Malibu regions. Fueled by drought conditions, tinder-dry vegetation, and hurricane-force Santa Ana winds reaching up to 100 miles per hour, the fire raged for over three weeks before being fully contained on January 31. It scorched 23,448 acres and resulted in tragic loss of life and historic property destruction.
This fire was part of a larger wave of 14 destructive wildfires across Southern California during January 2025, which collectively killed dozens of people and forced over 200,000 residents to evacuate. The Palisades Fire stands as the third-most destructive wildfire in California history and the deadliest in Los Angeles city limits.
Details of the Suspect and Investigation
Federal agents from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) stated that they arrested a 29-year-old man in Florida, charging him with “destruction of property by means of fire.” According to the ATF affidavit, the man, who is the son of missionaries, maliciously set the fire on January 1, 2025. Investigators believe he used an open flame, likely a lighter, to ignite combustible materials such as dry vegetation or paper near the Skull Rock trailhead in Pacific Palisades.
Authorities detailed that on the night of January 1, the suspect was working as an Uber driver and had dropped off a passenger near the site before driving to the trailhead. Reports from passengers noted that he seemed agitated and angry. The suspect also attempted to contact a former friend through Facebook Messenger shortly before the fire started.
Investigators considered two main theories regarding the fire’s origin: a rekindling of a smaller fire previously started on January 1 (known as the Lachman fire) or a completely new fire ignited at the same location. In May 2025, ATF conducted a controlled burn to aid the investigation. The Los Angeles City Fire Department was the jurisdictional agency handling the fire response and damage assessments.
Impact and Community Response
The Palisades Fire devastated communities, destroying 6,831 structures—over half of the assessed properties in the burn area. The economic and social toll has been enormous, with thousands displaced and ongoing recovery efforts in the Los Angeles County region. Despite this, neighboring cities such as Santa Monica escaped direct damage and have become partners in regional recovery, providing resources and business assistance centers for affected residents.
Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass expressed somber recognition of the tragedy, emphasizing the heroism of firefighters and the commitment to bringing families home and seeking justice through ongoing investigations.
Federal and State Aid
Following the disaster, President Joseph R. Biden, Jr. approved a Major Disaster Declaration for California, unlocking federal aid to support relief efforts. Disaster Recovery Centers have been established in affected areas such as UCLA Research Park West and Altadena to assist residents in applying for aid.
Conclusion
The arrest of the man alleged to have set the Palisades Fire brings a crucial legal development after devastating human, economic, and environmental losses. Investigators continue to monitor the case and recovery efforts, as communities affected by the January wildfires rebuild and attempt to recover from one of the most catastrophic fire seasons in California’s history.