Man Charged for Small Fire That Became Major L.A. Wildfire

Federal prosecutors have charged a 29-year-old man for allegedly starting a small fire that later exploded into the devastating Palisades wildfire in Los Angeles. The fire initially burned about 8 acres in the Pacific Palisades area on New Year's Day. Firefighters put it out. However, prosecutors claim this small blaze later reignited. It grew into a major wildfire that destroyed much of the iconic neighborhood over a year ago. The accused is Jonathan Rinderknecht, a former resident and occasional Uber driver. A federal complaint states he used an open flame, likely a lighter, to start the initial fire. He now faces three felony charges. The central question is whether he is legally responsible for the larger disaster that followed months later.