Man accused of starting fire ordered jailed
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The man accused of sparking January’s deadly Los Angeles wildfire must remain jailed while he awaits trial. That’s based on a judge’s Tuesday ruling denying bond for Jonathan Rinderknecht. Federal authorities say he started a small fire on New Year’s Day that smoldered underground before reigniting nearly a week later to become the most destructive in LA history. Rinderknecht has been indicted on one charge of malicious destruction by means of a fire, one count of arson affecting property used in interstate commerce, and one count of timber set afire. His trial is set for April 2026.