Jonathan Rinderknecht is facing several charges for allegedly starting the Palisades fire that destroyed more than 6,800 buildings and killed 12 people. (photo by Tabor Brewster)

The 29-year-old man who is facing charges for allegedly starting the deadly Palisades fire was denied bond on Nov. 18.

United States Magistrate Judge Rozella A. Oliver ruled that Jonathan Rinderknecht, a former Palisades resident, must remain in federal custody until his trial begins. The judge cited concerns over Rinderknecht’s mental health and distress he caused his sister and family members.

Prosecutors argued that Rinderknecht is a danger to the community and a flight risk due to ties to France.

Rinderknecht has pleaded not guilty to charges including destruction of property by means of fire, arson affecting property used in interstate commerce and timber set afire. If convicted, he faces five to 45 years in federal prison.

Rinderknecht was arrested on Oct. 7 in Florida, where he was living at the time. He was indicted by a federal grand jury on Oct. 15.

“While we cannot bring back what victims lost, we hope this criminal case brings some measure of justice to those affected by this horrific tragedy,” said Bill Essayli, Acting United States Attorney for the Central District of California.

Rinderknecht’s trial is scheduled to begin on April 21, 2026.

The Palisades fire was the most destructive in the history of Los Angeles, wiping out entire neighborhoods in the Pacific Palisades and Malibu as it blazed uncontrollably, ultimately destroying more than 6,800 buildings and killing 12 people.

Law enforcement determined that the Palisades fire was a continuation of the separate Lachman fire that began on Jan. 1. Although the Lachman fire was suppressed, it continued to burn underground, causing the Palisades fire on Jan. 7 as heavy winds caused flames to spread rapidly.

Authorities used witness statements, video surveillance, cellphone data and an analysis of fire patterns to determine that Rinderknecht, an Uber driver at the time, “maliciously” set the Lachman fire just after midnight on New Year’s Day.

Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass called for an investigation into the Lachman fire after the Los Angeles Times reported that firefighters were ordered to leave the burn area despite signs that the fire was still active underground. Bass made the request on Oct 31 to then-LAFD Interim Chief Ronnie Vilanueva, calling the L.A. Times report “tremendously alarming.”

“A full understanding of the Lachman Fire response is essential to an accurate accounting of what occurred during the January wildfires,” Bass said. “This will continue to guide our ongoing reforms, which include enhancing pre-deployment protocols, strengthening interagency coordination, upgrading communications technology and expanding training at all staff levels.”

Bass has since appointed Jaime Moore as fire chief, who has criticized the allegations that firefighters were ordered to leave as a “smear.” However, Moore has said he will “look into” the Lachman fire. It is unclear who will conduct the investigation.