Authorities have arrested Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, in connection with the Palisades Fire that ravaged Los Angeles earlier this year and is now believed to be arson-driven. Federal agents say Rinderknecht, also known as “Jonathan Rinder” or “Jon Rinder,” ignited a small blaze just after midnight on Jan. 1 near the Skull Rock Trailhead above Pacific Palisades.
Fire crews knocked it down later that day, but investigators allege embers smoldered underground as a “holdover” (or “zombie”) fire until high winds on Jan. 7 pushed it back to the surface, triggering one of the most destructive wildfires in city history.
According to the criminal complaint and officials with ATF’s Los Angeles Field Division, the initial “Lachman Fire” was likely started with an open flame (a lighter). After setting the fire, Rinderknecht allegedly called 911, left, then returned to shoot photos and video of the scene and firefighters working the line. Prosecutors also say he screen-recorded his calls and, while on the phone with dispatch, opened ChatGPT to ask, “Are you at fault if a fire is [lit] because of your cigarettes.”
The complaint further notes that in the days leading up to Jan. 1, Rinderknecht repeatedly listened to a song and watched a music video depicting fires, and that months earlier he generated an AI image of a dystopian city burning.
Officials say he was working as an Uber driver on New Year’s Eve and had dropped passengers in the area; two riders later told investigators he appeared agitated. He was known to law enforcement and interviewed by Jan. 24, during which he allegedly made false statements about how he encountered the fire.
The Palisades Fire ultimately burned over 23,000 acres, destroyed nearly 7,000 structures, and is tied to 12 deaths, with three civilians and one firefighter injured, per Cal Fire. (A separate blaze in L.A. County, the Eaton Fire, erupted the same week; together the fires have been blamed for at least 31 deaths, with some research placing the toll higher.)
Rinderknecht, described by officials as a Southern California resident who later moved to Melbourne, Florida, was taken into custody and faces a federal count of destruction of property by means of fire, which carries 5 to 20 years if convicted. Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli said the case will go to a grand jury, and additional charges are possible.
At a news conference, ATF Special Agent in Charge Kenny Cooper said investigators ruled out other ignition sources (including fireworks, power lines, lightning, or glass refraction) and emphasized the “intentionally set” origin of the Jan. 1 fire that later resurfaced amid strong winds.
Residents devastated by the blaze described the arrest as a shock, with community leaders noting the loss of longtime homes and an ongoing relief effort. Authorities stressed that Rinderknecht is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in court; his initial appearance was expected Oct. 8. The investigation, led by ATF, LAFD, and LAPD, remains active.
REELated:
Windstorm fuels devastating wildfires in Pacific Palisades
