Ventura County Officials Identify ‘Person of Interest’ in Kenneth Fire Investigation

Authorities in Ventura County have identified a “person of interest” in connection with the ongoing investigation into the Kenneth fire, which has scorched nearly 1,000 acres. Juan Sierra, 33, was arrested on Thursday after law enforcement officials alleged he was attempting to start a fire in a West Hills neighborhood affected by the blaze.

The incident unfolded shortly after 4:30 p.m. when Sierra was reportedly seen trying to ignite flames within the 21700 block of Ybarra Road. Officers from the Los Angeles Police Department’s Topanga Division apprehended him around 5:30 p.m., initially on suspicion of a probation violation, as confirmed by a law enforcement email reviewed by The Times. Ventura County Sheriff’s Department Sergeant Monica Smith later designated him as a person of interest regarding the Kenneth fire.

Strong Santa Ana winds have intensified the fire’s spread since it ignited near the county line on Thursday afternoon. By the evening, the Kenneth fire had consumed approximately 960 acres, threatening homes in the Calabasas and Hidden Hills areas. Fire officials reported that the blaze is currently about 35% contained, aided by aerial water drops that helped slow its progress. Fortunately, evacuation orders for nearby residents have since been lifted.

Authorities have not ruled out arson as a potential cause of the fire. As the investigation unfolded, Sierra was held in LAPD custody; however, the origin of the Kenneth fire was traced back to Ventura County, leading to a transfer of the case to the Ventura County Sheriff’s Office.

Juan Sierra has a prior history with law enforcement, having been arrested multiple times by Los Angeles police since 2023. While the specifics of those arrests and the conditions of his probation remain unclear, the investigation into the Kenneth fire continues.