Dry conditions across Southern California set the stage for a series of deadly wind-driven wildfires that burned thousands of homes and other structures in the Los Angeles area in early January 2025.

The Los Angles Police Department said "a male was heard stating a suspect was 'attempting to light a fire'" near the Kenneth Fire.

A new fire — the Kenneth Fire — erupted Thursday afternoon, so far spreading across 960 acres in Los Angeles and Ventura counties. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection says that blaze is 35% contained.

The Palisades fire, Pasadena's Eaton fire and the Hurst fire are burning uncontrollably in the greater Los Angeles area, leaving 5 dead and prompting thousands to evacuate.