Authorities in California have charged 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht with intentionally igniting the Pacific Palisades Fire, the most destructive blaze in Los Angeles history, which killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes. Federal officials allege that Rinderknecht started the fire on New Year’s Day, which initially appeared to be extinguished but continued to smolder underground before reigniting amid high winds, eventually consuming much of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood.

Background and Arrest

Rinderknecht was arrested on Tuesday in Florida and is expected to be transferred to California to face federal charges, including malicious destruction by means of fire. Acting US Attorney Bill Essayli said the investigation involved multiple agencies, including the Los An

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