Police are investigating the Kenneth Fire in Woodland Hills, near the south side of the San Fernando Valley, as a possible arson attack, and a suspect has reportedly been taken into custody, according to a local Fox News affiliate.
News of the arson investigation broke late Thursday, hours after the fire grew to more than 800 acres and forced evacuations.
“According to sources, @FOXLA's @gigigraciette it is #Kenneth Fire The fire is being investigated as arson. A suspect is in custody,” FOX LA reporter Erex Michaelson announced Thursday night.
There is no further information on the identity of the suspect.
The fire near the famous Highway 101 has grown to more than 800 acres and continues to burn south toward homes, according to local reports. Local authorities called for mandatory evacuation. Hit CBS Los Angeles:
a mandatory evacuation order LAFD said it was issued south of Vanowen to Burbank Boulevard and east of County Lane Road to East Valley Circle Boulevard. Several evacuation advisories have also been issued for areas affected by the fire. According to Cal Fire.
The dripping aircraft immediately responded to the fire. Cal Fire said firefighters in Los Angeles and Ventura counties are actively working on containment efforts. Burning in areas with difficult terrain and low vegetation. The blaze is being caused by strong Santa Ana winds.
According to KTLAthe fire also moved to the Calabasas and West Hills areas around 2:30 p.m.
“The Los Angeles Fire Department has issued mandatory evacuation orders from Vanowen Street south to Burbank Boulevard and from County Lane Road east to East Valley Circle Boulevard,” the statement said.
