California officials examined a man's digital footprint to understand how the Palisades Fire allegedly originated and spread. CBS News' Jonathan Vigliotti reports.

Los Angeles

A 29-year-old man from Florida has been arrested and charged with intentionally starting the Palisades Fire, one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history. The arrest follows a nine-month investigation during which officials examined over 13,000 pieces of evidence, including photos, videos, cell phone data, and GPS tracking. 

Investigators allege the suspect, who was working for Uber at the time, dropped a passenger near the fire's origin and then used a lighter to ignite vegetation. GPS data placed him within 30 feet of the ignition point. After the fire began, the suspect reportedly attempted to call emergency services and later searched online about the legal consequences of starting a fire. Authorities have stated the act was intentional but have not disclosed further details about the motive.

How California officials linked Palisades Fire to Florida suspect

After a month-long investigation, officials have now arrested a man they say is responsible for California's deadly Palisades fire. The 29-year-old from Florida was charged with intentionally starting what would become one of the most destructive wildfires in the history of Los Angeles. CBS News correspondent Jonathan Vigliotti covered those fires extensively. As you see, he joins us now from Los Angeles. Jonathan, good morning. How exactly did they track down this suspect? Yeah. Yeah, it's a great question, Errol. This was an exhaustive, nine-month-long investigation. Investigators telling us they combed through more than 13,000 pieces of evidence, everything from photos and videos, cell phone data, GPS tracking. They also spoke with eyewitnesses. They describe Rindernack as a resident near the Palisades at the time of this fire, 29 years old, as you mentioned, working for Uber at the time. According to the investigation and according to his Uber account, Rindernack dropped a passenger off near the area where the fire started. After dropping that passenger off, investigators say he went for a hike and then they believe that he used a lighter to either ignite a piece of paper or the vegetation itself, which sparked the fire. GPS data shows him within 30 feet of the fire. What is interesting, investigators saying, he immediately called 911 multiple times was unable to get a signal, then left to another area to call 911 again. When he made contact to report the fire, he went on to chat GPT to ask if he could get in trouble for starting a fire with cigarettes. The response was yes. Investigators say they have no doubt this was intentional. The fire he started on January 1st, Errol, we need to point out, it was quickly considered fully contained, but unbeknownst to first responders, there were hotspots and embers burning underground. A week later, when the wind came, it kicked that fire back up into what was later called the Palisades Fire. And it's incredible to see how they've put the clues together. How relevant then, Jonathan, will motive be for the suspect? Because people suspected of arson typically say it was an accident. Yeah, it's gonna be incredibly significant if they are going to prove arson. They did retrieve an AI photo that they allege that Rinderneck prompted, specifically looking for a forest on fire and people running away. We specifically asked the special agent involved in the investigation about motive. Take a listen to what he told us. You say it was intentional. Yes, it is incendiary fire. He wanted to see the Palisades burn. I'm not gonna go into his motive and what he was trying to do with that, other than we know he started that fire. So intentional, but investigators not going much further than that, Errol. Yeah, being careful of what they do say. Jonathan, pressing for answers. Thank you for your reporting.

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Kyiv

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Jerusalem

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Pyongyang

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Los Angeles International Airport

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A 29-year-old Florida man has been arrested on suspicion of arson in connection with the deadly Palisades Fire that scorched parts of Los Angeles earlier this year, officials said Wednesday.

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Chicago

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Breakdown