A man has been arrested and charged with intentionally lighting the Pacific Palisades Fire in Los Angeles that killed 12 people.

Authorities arrested Jonathan Rinderknecht for allegedly lighting a fire on New Year's Day that burned down much of the Pacific Palisades neighbourhood a week later.

The fire was initially put out, but smouldered underground before reigniting during high winds, prosecutors allege.

The 29-year-old was arrested in Florida on Tuesday in the US and was set to face court on Wednesday.

"The complaint alleges that a single person's recklessness caused one of the worst fires Los Angeles has ever seen, resulting in death and widespread destruction in Pacific Palisades," said Acting US Attorney Bill Essayli.

" While we cannot bring back what victims lost, we hope thi

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