Federal Trial Begins for Man Accused of Starting 2025 Palisades Fire

A federal trial opened Wednesday in Los Angeles for Jonathan Rinderknecht, 30, who is charged with destruction of property by fire, arson affecting interstate commerce and setting timber ablaze. Prosecutors allege that after completing an Uber ride on New Year’s Eve, Rinderknecht drove to a trailhead in the Santa Monica Mountains and deliberately started a small blaze, later identified as the Lachman Fire, using a green lighter found in his vehicle. The fire smoldered underground and reignited a week later, expanding into the Palisades Fire that burned more than 24,000 acres, killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of structures.

"After this trial, there will be one thing missing — proof that Jonathan Rinderknecht started these fires," said defense attorney Steve Haney in his opening remarks.

The prosecution cited video evidence of the lighter and testimony that Rinderknecht expressed anger over a personal grievance earlier that night. They also referenced passenger accounts describing erratic driving and hostile remarks while he was working for Uber. In contrast, Haney plans to call witnesses who will attest to Rinderknecht’s normal behavior and highlighted 911 call records showing the defendant reported the fire multiple times.

If convicted, Rinderknecht faces up to 45 years in prison. The case centers on whether the initial fire was intentionally set or an accidental ignition that was inadequately extinguished by firefighters.