California Wildfire: Legal Battle Over 'Zombie' Blaze

Prosecutors allege Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29, is responsible for a wildfire that devastated Pacific Palisades. He was charged in October with felonies, accused of starting a small fire on New Year's Day with a lighter. This initial blaze, known as the Lachman fire, was extinguished but reignited five days later due to strong winds and dry conditions, becoming the catastrophic Palisades fire.

The legal case will focus on whether Rinderknecht could have foreseen the destructive potential of his actions. Experts suggest the outcome will depend on a jury's assessment of his responsibility for the subsequent deaths and property destruction. This involves examining the continuity of the fire and the predictability of its resurgence.

Questions have arisen regarding the Los Angeles Fire Department's response, with allegations that the Lachman fire was not fully contained before its dangerous reignition. While the department's chief admitted to softened criticism in official reports, legal experts believe this may not significantly impact the federal case against Rinderknecht, who faces substantial prison time.