Los Angeles: A 29-year-old man has been charged with sparking California’s deadly Palisades fire, one of the most destructive bushfires in its history, authorities said.

Federal officials said Jonathan Rinderknecht, who lived in the area, started a small fire on New Year’s Day that smouldered underground before reigniting nearly a week later and roaring through Pacific Palisades , home to many of Los Angeles’ rich and famous.

The fire that left 12 dead in the hillside neighbourhoods across Pacific Palisades and Malibu was one of two blazes that broke out on January 7. Together, they killed at least 30 people and destroyed more than 17,000 homes and buildings while burning for days in Los Angeles County.

Rinderknecht was arrested in Florida and made his first court appearance on Wedne

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