A federal arson trial began Monday for Jonathan Rinderknecht, the 29-year-old man accused of sparking the deadly Palisades Fire that became one of the most destructive wildfires in Los Angeles history. Rinderknecht has pleaded not guilty to charges including arson and malicious destruction by means of fire.

Prosecutors allege that Rinderknecht started a small fire on January 1, 2025, in what was initially called the Lachman fire. The Los Angeles Fire Department extinguished the blaze on January 2, but it reignited five days later on January 7 due to high winds and dry conditions after burning undetected in root systems deep in the hillsides. The fire ultimately killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes as it spread through Pacific Palisades and Malibu.

According to court documents, prosecutors plan to present geolocation data from Rinderknecht's phone showing he was in the area as the fire grew, and investigators seized a Bic barbecue lighter from his car that he admitted to having with him on the trail. They allege he was upset about a failed relationship and canceled New Year's Eve plans, and that he expressed anger to Uber passengers that evening.

Defense attorney Steve Haney argues that Rinderknecht is being made a scapegoat for the fire department's failure to fully extinguish the initial blaze. The defense had planned to present testimony about the fire still smoldering when first responders left the scene, but the judge ruled such evidence about alleged fire department negligence irrelevant to the case.

The fire has had lasting impacts on the affected communities, with residents struggling with insurance claims and building permits. Of more than 450 construction projects approved, only 17 homes have been certified for occupancy. The disaster has also become a central issue in Mayor Karen Bass's reelection campaign, as she faces criticism over the city's response and recovery efforts.

Jury selection is expected to last several days before opening statements begin later this week. If convicted, Rinderknecht faces at least five years in prison. The trial is expected to last approximately two weeks.