Get Premium
Dark mode theme is available exclusively for premium users. Learn more about the benefits of subscribing.
No fees, cancel anytime.
Dark Mode 
No fees, cancel anytime 
941
“Disgusting” Arsonists Caught On Camera During LA Wildfires, Henry Winkler’s Theory Gains Ground
The sadness and anger caused by the Los Angeles wildfires have led its inhabitants to search for answers, as well as for the culprits to blame for the devastation.
Actor Henry Winkler, known for his role as “The Fonz” on the sitcom Happy Days, was eager to answer the question and sparked a viral conversation yesterday (January 8) when he shared his belief that the disaster was caused by an arsonist.
Highlights
- Henry Winkler, the beloved actor behind 'The Fonz', shared his belief that LA wildfires were caused by arsonists.
- While people initially doubted him, video evidence surfaced showing people lighting fires in non-burning LA areas.
- Wildfires have destroyed 1,100 homes and forced at least 100,000 evacuations.
- Arson videos went viral, netizens demanded legal action against the culprits.
“There is an ARSONIST here in LA. May you be beaten unrecognizable!!! The pain you have caused!!!” the actor wrote on X, with the post going viral with more than 1.9 million views at the time of writing.
Winkler’s theory caused netizens to argue in the comment section, with one side supporting his idea and the other dismissing it as the “ramblings of an old man.” However, new video evidence shared earlier today could prove the actor right.
RELATED:
Actor Henry Winkler blamed the Los Angeles wildfires on arsonists, with later clips adding credence to his theory
Image credits: Jerod Harris/Getty Images
“People are lighting fires in otherwise non-burning urban areas of LA,” the viral clip read, which surpassed Winkler’s tweet with more than 6.5 million views combined.
In the video, a number of people are seen throwing flammable items into a massive fire in Santa Monica, California, with passersby looking in disbelief as the flames increase in size, threatening to light a couple of tall trees in the area.
“Stay safe and call in any activity ASAP. We don’t need more flames out here,” a retweet wrote.
Image credits: Kyle Grillot/Getty Images
The clips served as evidence of the complex nature of the fires happening all around Los Angeles, which seem to have more than one cause. Certain citizens took advantage of the chaos to spread further mayhem for unknown reasons.
“Disgusting. It feels like LA is under attack right now. Fires are everywhere. Stay safe!” a user wrote.
The unprecedented disaster has destroyed at least 1,100 homes and forced more than 100,000 people to evacuate
Image credits: Kyle Grillot/Getty Images
According to Los Angeles County, the wildfires that erupted last Tuesday (January 7) were caused by powerful winds and dry conditions, destroying at least 1,100 homes and killing about five people.
The intensity of the flames has been described as “devastating and terrifying,” according to officials.
Image credits: NBC News
The disaster has been divided into five main areas: Palisades, Eaton, Hurst, Sunset, and Lidia. The first and second were the biggest, with 17,234 and 10,000 acres destroyed by each as of Thursday morning (January 9).
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection confirmed the unprecedented nature of the tragedy, labeling the Palisades fire the “most destructive” in Los Angeles history.
Image credits: LiveNOW from FOX
More than 100,000 people had to be evacuated, leaving their homes and precious possessions behind as the fires advanced mercilessly on their communities. According to official sources, the number of injuries has been “significant,” but no official number has been informed.
Authorities explained that the fires were the result of “weather whiplash,” combining the state’s dryness with fast winds
Image credits: JMRaasch
A preliminary report by J.P. Morgan’s insurance analysts estimates the losses from the fires could cost upward of $10 billion, putting it in line with the losses of California’s deadliest wildfire ever: 2018’s Camp Fire.
The 2018 disaster ended with more than 13,000 acres being destroyed and 85 people losing their lives, with losses valued at $15 billion.
the wind in LA is INSANE rn… pic.twitter.com/D1dGqChP1b
— Daily Dose of X (@schuld_eth) January 9, 2025
The National Weather Service explained that the fires were the result of the “weather whiplash” the state has been experiencing in recent years. The state oscillates between drought and heavy rainfall, and fast winds help the flames to spread across the land.
Image credits: The Drew Barrymore Show
Red flag warnings will remain in effect until Friday (December 10). Los Angeles County Fire Chief Anthony Marrone urged citizens to prioritize their safety and health during this difficult time.
Image credits: hwinkler4real
As for the arsonists, the fire department and police have responded and presumably apprehended those involved. However, no further information has been disclosed regarding the identity of the culprits or their motivations.
Netizens expressed disbelief at the videos of arsonist causing extra chaos, calling for their immediate prosecution
People are lighting fires in otherwise non-burning urban areas of LA. Saw this happen firsthand at 302 Pico in Santa Monica. Called it in & fire dept & police responded. Stay safe and call in any activity ASAP. We don’t need more flames out here. pic.twitter.com/AZ4GLr6N3q
— Andrew D. Huberman, Ph.D. (@hubermanlab) January 9, 2025
“Arrest them all now,” one user said. “This feels like a third-world country.”
“Did you get the name of the person you saw lighting the fire? We need to know!” another asked.
“I can’t believe this! My heart is broken,” a netizen wrote. “This is so evil.”
“What’s with these arsonists? What are they trying to achieve?” another asked.
“More than 99% chance there are bad actors going around taking advantage of the chaos.”
“Vile and disgusting.” The clip led netizens to doubt that the fires had purely natural causes, with many believing arsonists may have played a part
Image credits: BannerDemers
Image credits: CraigG92375
Image credits: RabbiSamStern
Image credits: Stephen02375629
Image credits: Suzierizzo1
Image credits: MissKatyAllison
Image credits: the_resistor
Image credits: AuldGuard
Image credits: PrincessPTSD123
Image credits: KrazieLegacy
Image credits: Bhess
Image credits: DTJB
Image credits: crane_sage
Image credits: sherryerrera
Image credits: 2speakupstandup
Image credits: LNicoleBurrows
Image credits: PBlasphememes
Image credits: realBruceSnyder
Image credits: beckynot
Image credits: pjfred60
Poll Question
Thanks! Check out the results:
Newsletter
Subscribe to Access
Exclusive Polls
By entering your email and clicking Subscribe, you're agreeing to let us send you customized marketing messages about us and our advertising partners. You are also agreeing to our Privacy Policy.
Thank you! You've successfully subscribed to newsletters!
What do you think ?
Fembot 1 week ago (edited)
Sure arson may have lit the match - literally- but months and months of drought in Cali and extreme weather in general (like floods elsewhere) are definitely caused by climate disruption. Don’t let anyone try to minimize or deny the absolute and absolutely distructive mess we’re making of our earth
kansasmagic 1 week ago
This is exactly right. Who would down vote except for the willfully ignorant?
Load More Replies...
kansasmagic 1 week ago
Some of the comments are really, really stupid. No one is suggesting that fires start from nothing or just "because" of climate change. There has to be a spark: perhaps a small fire or car overheating near dry brush, but with the exceptionally high winds at least a few fires must have been started by downed power lines. Climate change could affect the severity and timing of Santa Ana winds (which are much more common in late summer and early fall), as well as the "climate whiplash" from last year's wetter than average winter to this year's drier than average.
Bewitched One 1 week ago
I think the climate change comments were meant to be sarcasm honestly
Load More Replies...
Beak Hookage 1 week ago
It keeps happening in my part of Australia too; stupid kids keep starting fires and running away. It's happened about three times this month. Considering half the country burned down not that long ago, I'm doubly angry.
Tabitha 1 week ago
If you want to point fingers, point them at PG&E as well. You never know what long-neglected transformer may have shot out some sparks. Then there are the people purposely setting fires they hope get hidden in the wildfires for the insurance payout. You never know. I lived in SGV, and graduated high school in Arcadia in 1978. Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre were places I knew well back then. It hurts to see them burn. Those hot, dry Santa Ana winds can be brutal, and if it’s dry and there’s a spark—-well, you know the rest.
michael Chock 1 week ago (edited)
Warren Buffet has been warning the wealthy about coming class warfare, due to their excess exploitation. Industry has taken Trumps re election as an opportunity to rolling back "woke" policies because they cut into potential profits. Considering "woke" means waking up and recognizing our system was designed to support slavery and colonialism, and still does, not surprised the desperate are using this opportunity to burn down a symbol of sleeper culture. I don't support destructive actions, but people can only take so much abuse.
Hobby Hopper 1 week ago
That may be some peoples' motivation, but I don't think it's the whole story. Human behavior is so complex and varied. Whether the first flame was from lightning or a match or something in-between, I'm sure many people have taken advantage of the chaos, all for their own reasons. And regarding Buffet's predictions of class warfare, unfortunately, I think he may be right. If something doesn't change, violence is coming. Let's hope industry changes their ways before it comes to that. I don't wish violence on anyone, but there are so many desperate people that may feel they have no other option.
Load More Replies...
Susan Reid Smith 1 week ago
It often is arson. The winds that make the fires grow so fast can also make people act in weird ways.
marianne eliza 1 week ago
When the 3rd fire was announced, I knew it was an arsonist. Those scum wait for these wind events for maximum destruction and death. And all the anti-California hate from a certain class of elected persons and on social media carry a lot of blame.
Nice Beast Ludo 1 week ago (edited)
I am not pointing fingers at the fire department fighting the fires just mentioning a documentary I watched about a fire Chiefs son who was lighting forest fires in California to cash in on overtime and I think it also had something to do with insurance. I never even dreamed such a thing but if you think about it, fire fighting would be the go-to career for a pyromaniac and it's happened quite often. Most are heroes but just one bad egg can cause immense destruction and they should vet them better for that. Please don't flip out on me for saying this it just seems so strange these fires are always in California. Why not Nevada or Arizona or the prairies? I'm sure they've had plenty there too but never any so massive. Downvote away
Sand Ers 1 week ago
This is precisely the kind of idiotic speculation that starts and spreads rumors and feeds conspiracy nutjobs. You don't have a fúcking scrap of evidence to support this shít. JAQing off is not acceptable.
Load More Replies...
Beef Brisket 1 week ago
I'm not sure why people are so surprised. We've seen arsonists start wildfires, or attempt to worsen existing ones, before. Some do it to try to promote fear of climate change. This is not new.
Falafal salad 1 week ago
The last news story I saw with Henry Winkler (last year) was when he was interviewed after being evacuated from a hotel in Ireland after a fire and the news reporter didn’t recognise him and thought he was just a friendly guest to interview about the incident. Now here’s Henry talking about another fire. A coincidence? Or do we have a wilder conspiracy theory about firestarter Fonzie? 😂
Jamie Mayfield 1 week ago
If this is arson, what are the odds this is class warfare? Seems like the expensive parts of LA were hit the hardest. Given how horrible things are in LA, I wouldn't be surprised.
FABULOUS1 1 week ago
I have not heard one thing mentioned on the news about arsonist. I am in the next county over and have been glued to the news and nothing has been mentioned. As bad as the Santa winds can get I would think throwing out a lite cigarette could of caused a fire, the utilities companies, or in fact arson. Sadly, a couple of them that have caused great destruction had been caused by arsonist. If these fires are being purposely set, I hope they find this person and make an example out of them.
Jo 1 week ago
Earth is like "maybe if I hit the celebrities people will finally start listening!"
Yrtos Robin 1 week ago
Je crois à ce qu'avance Henry Winkler, ce sont des pyromanes qu'ont allumés les foyers aux alentours de Los Angeles....Leurs motivations pourront être lourdes de conséquence, si ce n'est qu'une action délibérément motivée par un fait qui vise des preuves liées à P.Diddy.....
Hobby Hopper 1 week ago
I guess I haven't woken up, because I honestly don't know what you're trying to say. Are you being racist? Classist? Are you saying they were set by foreign agents? Or, by saying it's pure evil, do you mean to suggest it was demons? Please enlighten me.
Load More Replies...
Beary Nice 1 week ago (edited)
very little of the world has any empathy for the US and this, sure we feel a little bad for ye but overall we think ya kind of deserve it...maybe your president will cancel the war money he is handing out like ice cream and use it for you instead... good luck with DEI I am sure that will totally help put those fires out
Fembot 1 week ago (edited)
Sure arson may have lit the match - literally- but months and months of drought in Cali and extreme weather in general (like floods elsewhere) are definitely caused by climate disruption. Don’t let anyone try to minimize or deny the absolute and absolutely distructive mess we’re making of our earth
kansasmagic 1 week ago
This is exactly right. Who would down vote except for the willfully ignorant?
Load More Replies... kansasmagic 1 week ago
Some of the comments are really, really stupid. No one is suggesting that fires start from nothing or just "because" of climate change. There has to be a spark: perhaps a small fire or car overheating near dry brush, but with the exceptionally high winds at least a few fires must have been started by downed power lines. Climate change could affect the severity and timing of Santa Ana winds (which are much more common in late summer and early fall), as well as the "climate whiplash" from last year's wetter than average winter to this year's drier than average.
Bewitched One 1 week ago
I think the climate change comments were meant to be sarcasm honestly
Load More Replies... Beak Hookage 1 week ago
It keeps happening in my part of Australia too; stupid kids keep starting fires and running away. It's happened about three times this month. Considering half the country burned down not that long ago, I'm doubly angry.
Tabitha 1 week ago
If you want to point fingers, point them at PG&E as well. You never know what long-neglected transformer may have shot out some sparks. Then there are the people purposely setting fires they hope get hidden in the wildfires for the insurance payout. You never know. I lived in SGV, and graduated high school in Arcadia in 1978. Pasadena, Altadena, and Sierra Madre were places I knew well back then. It hurts to see them burn. Those hot, dry Santa Ana winds can be brutal, and if it’s dry and there’s a spark—-well, you know the rest.
michael Chock 1 week ago (edited)
Warren Buffet has been warning the wealthy about coming class warfare, due to their excess exploitation. Industry has taken Trumps re election as an opportunity to rolling back "woke" policies because they cut into potential profits. Considering "woke" means waking up and recognizing our system was designed to support slavery and colonialism, and still does, not surprised the desperate are using this opportunity to burn down a symbol of sleeper culture. I don't support destructive actions, but people can only take so much abuse.
Hobby Hopper 1 week ago
That may be some peoples' motivation, but I don't think it's the whole story. Human behavior is so complex and varied. Whether the first flame was from lightning or a match or something in-between, I'm sure many people have taken advantage of the chaos, all for their own reasons. And regarding Buffet's predictions of class warfare, unfortunately, I think he may be right. If something doesn't change, violence is coming. Let's hope industry changes their ways before it comes to that. I don't wish violence on anyone, but there are so many desperate people that may feel they have no other option.
Load More Replies... Susan Reid Smith 1 week ago
It often is arson. The winds that make the fires grow so fast can also make people act in weird ways.
marianne eliza 1 week ago
When the 3rd fire was announced, I knew it was an arsonist. Those scum wait for these wind events for maximum destruction and death. And all the anti-California hate from a certain class of elected persons and on social media carry a lot of blame.
Nice Beast Ludo 1 week ago (edited)
I am not pointing fingers at the fire department fighting the fires just mentioning a documentary I watched about a fire Chiefs son who was lighting forest fires in California to cash in on overtime and I think it also had something to do with insurance. I never even dreamed such a thing but if you think about it, fire fighting would be the go-to career for a pyromaniac and it's happened quite often. Most are heroes but just one bad egg can cause immense destruction and they should vet them better for that. Please don't flip out on me for saying this it just seems so strange these fires are always in California. Why not Nevada or Arizona or the prairies? I'm sure they've had plenty there too but never any so massive. Downvote away
Sand Ers 1 week ago
This is precisely the kind of idiotic speculation that starts and spreads rumors and feeds conspiracy nutjobs. You don't have a fúcking scrap of evidence to support this shít. JAQing off is not acceptable.
Load More Replies... Beef Brisket 1 week ago
I'm not sure why people are so surprised. We've seen arsonists start wildfires, or attempt to worsen existing ones, before. Some do it to try to promote fear of climate change. This is not new.
Falafal salad 1 week ago
The last news story I saw with Henry Winkler (last year) was when he was interviewed after being evacuated from a hotel in Ireland after a fire and the news reporter didn’t recognise him and thought he was just a friendly guest to interview about the incident. Now here’s Henry talking about another fire. A coincidence? Or do we have a wilder conspiracy theory about firestarter Fonzie? 😂
Jamie Mayfield 1 week ago
If this is arson, what are the odds this is class warfare? Seems like the expensive parts of LA were hit the hardest. Given how horrible things are in LA, I wouldn't be surprised.
FABULOUS1 1 week ago
I have not heard one thing mentioned on the news about arsonist. I am in the next county over and have been glued to the news and nothing has been mentioned. As bad as the Santa winds can get I would think throwing out a lite cigarette could of caused a fire, the utilities companies, or in fact arson. Sadly, a couple of them that have caused great destruction had been caused by arsonist. If these fires are being purposely set, I hope they find this person and make an example out of them.
Jo 1 week ago
Earth is like "maybe if I hit the celebrities people will finally start listening!"
Yrtos Robin 1 week ago
Je crois à ce qu'avance Henry Winkler, ce sont des pyromanes qu'ont allumés les foyers aux alentours de Los Angeles....Leurs motivations pourront être lourdes de conséquence, si ce n'est qu'une action délibérément motivée par un fait qui vise des preuves liées à P.Diddy.....
Hobby Hopper 1 week ago
I guess I haven't woken up, because I honestly don't know what you're trying to say. Are you being racist? Classist? Are you saying they were set by foreign agents? Or, by saying it's pure evil, do you mean to suggest it was demons? Please enlighten me.
Load More Replies... Beary Nice 1 week ago (edited)
very little of the world has any empathy for the US and this, sure we feel a little bad for ye but overall we think ya kind of deserve it...maybe your president will cancel the war money he is handing out like ice cream and use it for you instead... good luck with DEI I am sure that will totally help put those fires out
You May Like Guards Break Into Applause As Adorable Stray Dog Becomes First To Cross Romania-Hungary Border Road Rage “Karen” Who Got Body-Slammed After Punching Man Unprovoked Breaks Her Silence “So Mean”: Parents Slammed Over Controversial Grinch Trend That Leaves Children In Tears
Renan Duarte
Donata Leskauskaite
Renan Duarte
Related on Bored Panda
31
40