Los Angeles Man Accused of Starting Devastating New Year’s Fire

Federal prosecutors revealed on Wednesday that a man in Los Angeles allegedly started a fire early on New Year’s Day 2025, which later became one of the city’s most catastrophic disasters. Jonathan Rinderknecht, 30, faces charges of destruction of property by fire, arson affecting interstate commerce, and intentionally setting timber on fire. Though he has pleaded not guilty, a conviction could land him up to 45 years in prison.

According to prosecutor Matthew O’Brien, Rinderknecht, upset over not being invited to a New Year’s Eve event, spent part of the night working as an Uber driver. After dropping off a passenger near a former residence shared with an ex-boyfriend, he reportedly went to Skull Rock, a hiking spot in the Santa Monica Mountains significant to him.

A fire ignited in that location shortly after midnight on January 1. Known as the Lachman Fire, it initially burned less than ten acres of brush and did not damage any structures. However, the fire smoldered unnoticed before it reignited a week later, evolving into the deadly Palisades Fire.

Firefighters initially deemed the Lachman Fire under control. However, a red-flag warning was in effect, which was ignored, according to a later report. Rinderknecht’s lawyer, Steve Haney, argues that his client is being scapegoated for the fire department’s oversight.

“After this trial, there will be one thing missing — proof that Jonathan Rinderknecht started these fires,”

Haney asserted in his opening remarks. The origin of the Lachman Fire is a focal point in this case. Prosecutors claim Rinderknecht used a green lighter found in his car to start the fire, as captured in a video from earlier that night. Haney maintains that Rinderknecht discovered the fire and promptly called 911 multiple times. Recorded calls reveal his attempts to report the emergency.

The Palisades Fire began on January 7, 2025, spreading rapidly due to 90 mph winds. It consumed over 24,000 acres, resulting in 12 fatalities and the destruction of 6,800 structures, affecting state, federal, and private properties.

During a previous detention hearing, prosecutors described Rinderknecht as a community threat. Witnesses claimed that he was driving erratically and ranting about his grievances. Passengers recalled him as angry and intense, according to a memo filed earlier this year.

Haney countered these claims by stating he would present witnesses who observed normal behavior from Rinderknecht that evening. He contested the alleged motivation behind any arson, attributing such acts to resentment toward wealth disparity.

The Palisades Fire was a contentious issue in the Los Angeles mayoral race. Spencer Pratt, a candidate and former reality show personality, criticized incumbent Karen Bass for her leadership during the fire but did not advance to the November run-off.