Los Angeles Arsonist Setting Palm Tree on Fire Caught on Video

A man has been caught on a Ring camera video setting a palm tree on fire in Los Angeles, where wildfires continue to burn.

The video shows a man in a hoodie lighting a low-hanging palm frond in West Hollywood, a part of LA that has so far been spared from any major fires, as reported by the WEHO Times and the Street People of Los Angeles.

Although the palm went up in flames, the lack of wind and the arrival of firefighters on the scene prevented the blaze from spreading.

Why It Matters

The devastating blazes are still burning in Los Angeles, with the National Weather Service warning that the combination of high winds and low humidity have no end in sight, and may even get worse throughout this week.

This means any new fires could end up spiralling into immensely destructive burns, destroying entire neighbourhoods like the Palisades and Eaton fires already have.

The suspect caught on camera lighting a palm frond. Fortunately the fire he started was extinguished. Street People of Los Angeles

What to Know

The Palisades and Eaton fires, which have been burning across Los Angeles for the past week, have caused immense damage, killing 23 people and destroying thousands of buildings across the county, as of January 14.

Despite the scope of the destruction, some opportunistic arsonists and looters have taken advantage of the chaos to rob evacuated homes, and even start new fires.

One person has been arrested by the Los Angeles Police Department (LAPD) for arson, who admitted he tried to set a bush on fire in Pioneer Park. The West Hollywood alleged arsonist was caught on camera at 6:30 a.m. on January 13 at 724 North Fuller Avenue.

Anyone with any information on the man in the video is encouraged to contact the West Hollywood Sheriff's Station, or call Crimestoppers.

The remains of a residential area in the Pacific Palisades neighborhood of Los Angeles on Jan. 10, 2025. The LA fires have not stopped burning, are are expected to pick up due to high winds.... Kyodo via AP Images

The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) is currently investigating the cause of the Palisades Fire, and has asked people with any knowledge of its origins to submit tips.

Another crime being combated by the LAPD during this time is price gouging on goods and services. It is illegal in California to raise the price of goods during an emergency, and people who are experiencing this are encouraged to report it to the LAPD.

Governor Gavin Newsom has deployed the California National Guard and military police to LA County to protect residents from looters, arsonists, and other criminal opportunists.

Elon Musk has spread a viral X post that claims looting was 'decriminalized' in California, and Newsom responded by saying: "Stop encouraging looting by lying and telling people it's decriminalized. It's not. It's illegal -- as it always has been. Bad actors will be arrested and prosecuted."

What People Are Saying

Governor Gavin Newsom: "[Thieves] are criminals of the worst kind — preying on people at their most vulnerable. They will be prosecuted."

Mayor Karen Bass: "Angelenos come together to help each other out, it's what we do. Thank you to Disney, Netflix, Wasserman, Hilton, Annenberg and so many others for donating millions of dollars to relief funds. And this is just the start. Together, we will rebuild a stronger Los Angeles."

What Happens Next

LA residents have been warned of "extreme fire conditions" today, as the winds are expected to pick up again.

First responders and firefighters have been pre-deployed across the county in preparation for new burns, which are expected to last until midday on Wednesday.