Authorities make an arrest related to deadly January wildfire that leveled California neighborhood

"Authorities in California have made an arrest in connection with the deadly January wildfire that erupted into the most destructive blaze in Los Angeles history and destroyed much of the Pacific Palisades neighborhood, according to a law enforcement official not authorized to publicly discuss the case. Federal officials and Los Angeles police said earlier Wednesday that they are about to announce a significant development related to the criminal investigation into the fire."

"The blaze, which erupted on Jan. 7, killed 12 people and destroyed more than 6,000 homes and buildings in the Pacific Palisades, a wealthy coastal neighborhood of LA. The fire ripped through hillside neighborhoods, destroying mansions with spectacular views of the ocean and downtown Los Angeles. Attending the 9 a.m. news conference will be Acting United States Attorney Bill Essayli, LA Police Chief Jim McDonnell, and Special Agent in Charge Kenny Cooper of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives."

"Investigators still haven't determined the cause of that blaze or the Eaton Fire, which broke out the same day in the community of Altadena and killed 18 people. Both fires burned for days, reducing block after block of entire neighborhoods to gray and black debris. An outside review released in September found that a lack of resources and outdated policies for sending emergency alerts led to delayed evacuation warnings."

California authorities made an arrest connected to the January wildfire that became the most destructive blaze in Los Angeles history, devastating the Pacific Palisades. The Jan. 7 fire killed 12 people and destroyed more than 6,000 homes and buildings, ripping through hillside neighborhoods and destroying ocean-view mansions. Federal and Los Angeles police announced they would reveal a significant development at a news conference attended by Acting U.S. Attorney Bill Essayli, LAPD Chief Jim McDonnell, and ATF Special Agent in Charge Kenny Cooper. Investigators have not yet determined the cause of that blaze or the Eaton Fire, which killed 18 in Altadena. An outside review found emergency-alert shortcomings and outdated policies caused delayed evacuation warnings.

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