Fire Department’s Palisades Fire Review Reveals Early Response Challenges

Federal officials announced Wednesday the arrest of a man accused of starting the Palisades Fire, one of Los Angeles’ most destructive wildfires, as the Los Angeles Fire Department (LAFD) released a detailed review examining its initial response to the blaze.

The U.S. Department of Justice identified the suspect as 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht, a former Pacific Palisades resident. He was charged with maliciously setting a fire that erupted on January 1, 2025, and later evolved into the Palisades Fire, which destroyed homes, caused injuries, and prompted widespread evacuations.

According to a criminal complaint, Rinderknecht was working as an Uber driver on New Year’s Eve and appeared angry and agitated to two

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