Thoroughly irrelevant. If there were conditions for a devastating fire it was only a matter of time before it started, it doesn't matter who started it. If no one did, add one more year and more combustible material will have piled up and it will be easier to start yet - and eventually, a tiny spark, or a cigarette bud, or anything really - could burn entire state.

Problem is fire-prone conditions due to poor fire prevention, not a random dude with a match.

I submitted this not only because of the significance of the fires but how law enforcement built the case largely from his digital footprint.

Less interesting and common evidence was used (e.g. video surveillance, cellphone data) but the inclusion of the alleged arson included their ChatGPT history, and his music history leading up to the fire.

He was also an Uber driver so my guess is they also subpoenaed this as well if they were this thorough.

> If convicted, Rinderknecht would face a mandatory minimum sentence of five years in federal prison and a statutory maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.

12 people died in the Palisades fire and destroyed over 6,800 structures. The damage was in the 10s of billions of dollars.

If found guilty, he deserves a very very high penalty.

Earlier: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=45518414