California authorities have arrested a man suspected of intentionally starting a fire in the Los Angeles neighborhood of Pacific Palisades in January that left 12 people dead.

The fire was the most destructive in Los Angeles history and tore through much of the Pacific Palisades, leaving it devastated.

Man accused of 'maliciously starting' Palisades fire

Acting US attorney for the Central District of California, Bill Essayli, said 29-year-old Jonathan R. had been arrested on suspicion of "maliciously starting what became the Palisades Fire in January."

"Among the evidence that was collected from his digital devices was an image he generated on ChatGPT depicting a burning city," Essayli said in a statement on X.

He was arrested in Florida and will be transferred back to the Central District of California to stand trial.

Alongside a picture of the suspect, Essayli posted others showing various cityscapes with mirror views of flames and destruction.

Over 6,000 homes and buildings destroyed

The fire began on January 7 and burned for day, tearing through neighborhoods and scorching more than 23,000 acres (9,308 hectares), leaving over 6,000 homes and buildings in Pacific Palisades destroyed.

Investigators have yet to determine the cause of the Eaton Fire, which broke out the same day in the community of Altadena and killed 18 people.

Arson charges carry mandatory minimum sentences ranging from five to 20 years.

The sentences heavier if the crime of arson causes injury or death, in which case life in prison or the federal death penalty may be sought.

Edited by: Wesley Rahn