US investigators accuse 29-year-old Jonathan Rinderknecht of lighting a fire on New Year's Day. Photo: AP PHOTO

Californian authorities have charged a 29-year-old man with starting a deadly fire that erupted into the most destructive blaze in Los Angeles history and destroyed much of the wealthy Pacific Palisades neighbourhood.

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Federal law enforcement officials accuse Jonathan Rinderknecht of lighting a fire on New Year's Day that was initially extinguished by fire crews, but continued to smoulder underground before reigniting during high winds, acting US Attorney Bill Essayli said.

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