UPDATE: At a January 10 press conference the Los Angeles Police Department spokesman reported that the arson suspect taken into custody was released due to lack of evidence. He was charged with a felony probation violation. The investigation into the arson is ongoing.
Original article continues below:
News of the arson investigation erupted late on Thursday hours after the fire grew past 800 acres with mandatory evacuations.
“Sources tell @FOXLA‘s @GigiGraciette that the #KennethFire is being investigated as arson. A suspect has been detained,” announced Fox LA reporter Elex Michaelson on Thursday night.
No further reports have given the identity of the suspect.
According to local reports, the fire near the famous 101 Freeway has spread to over 800 acres and has since been burning toward the south closer to homes. Authorities in the area have called for mandatory evacuations. Per CBS Los Angeles:
A mandatory evacuation order has been issued for Vanowen south to Burbank Boulevard and County Lane Road east to East Valley Circle Boulevard, the LAFD said. Several evacuation warnings have also been issued for areas that border the fire, according to Cal Fire.
A water-dropping aircraft quickly responded to the blaze. Firefighters from Los Angeles and Ventura counties are actively engaged in containment efforts, Cal Fire said. It is burning in an area with challenging terrain and low vegetation. Flames are being driven by strong Santa Ana winds.
According to KTLA, the fire also moved into areas of Calabasas and West Hills around 2:30 p.m.
“The Los Angeles Fire Department has issued a mandatory evacuation order for Vanowen Street south to Burbank Boulevard, County Lane Road east to East Valley Circle Boulevard” it noted.
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