A man is now in custody in connection with starting the devastating Palisades Fire. Federal authorities arrested 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht of Melbourne, Florida, in connection with starting the the blaze Jan. 1. Smoldering embers are believed to be responsible for the Jan. 7 fire now considered the costliest wildfire in California history. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli announced Wednesday that Rinderknecht faces a federal charge of destruction of property by means of fire.
Investigators allege that Rinderknecht deliberately ignited a small blaze, known as the Lachman Fire, just after midnight on New Year’s Day. Though initially believed to be extinguished, the fire continued to smolder unnoticed until powerful Santa Ana winds on January 7 reignited it into the catastrophic Palisades Fire. The blaze ultimately destroyed more than 6,800 structures and claimed 12 lives, leaving widespread devastation across Pacific Palisades and surrounding communities including the loss of 720 homes in Malibu.
Digital evidence reportedly played a key role in Rinderknecht’s arrest. Authorities said they discovered that he had used ChatGPT to generate AI images depicting a burning city, which helped link him to the initial fire. Federal investigators also interviewed two Uber passengers driven by the suspect who described Rinderknecht as “agitated and angry” on New Year’s Eve. He was scheduled to make his initial court appearance Wednesday in Florida. Rinderknecht reportedly lived in Pacific Palisades at one time.
This is a developing story. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available.