Whitney Cummings Goes Hunting For Arsonists Amid L.A. Wildfires

Whitney Cummings is taking a stand to protect her Los Angeles neighborhood—armed not with fire hoses, but with wooden swords.

Her actions come after many reports of arson have surfaced. On Thursday, a man suspected of arson was arrested near the Kenneth Fire area as firefighters worked tirelessly to protect homes in Calabasas and West Hills from spreading wildfires.

Plus, a homeless man has been arrested on suspicion of arson near the origin of one of the wildfires devastating Los Angeles. According to witnesses, courageous bystanders apprehended the suspect as he appeared to use a makeshift “flamethrower” to ignite fires. The unidentified individual was reportedly seen riding a bicycle around Woodland Hills on Thursday afternoon, setting fire to old Christmas trees and garbage cans.

As more reports of arson continue to make the rounds, Whitney Cummings has decided to take things into her own hands.

The comedian and actress turned heads on Thursday night when she shared a series of Instagram Stories detailing her approach to combating suspected arsonists in the midst of the devastating wildfires sweeping through L.A.

“Now that the biggest threat seems to be [sic] when arsonists are just lighting fires, so we are going to go to some places where that could happen,” she said in her first Instagram Stories post. “And what did I grab? What’s the plan if we find one?” she added before grabbing a handful of wooden swords. “That’s why we got swords,” she said, showing off the weapons.

According to Cummings, a friend informed her about an alarming incident in Woodland Hills, where locals allegedly caught a man trying to start fires on a back hill.

Rather than stay home, Whitney and her boyfriend decided to patrol the area themselves, armed with a pair of wooden swords. In her typically humorous fashion, the comedian explained their strategy: they didn’t plan to harm anyone but hoped their dramatic presence would deter any potential arsonists.

Some, including celebrities, have speculated that arsonists may be responsible for the fires. However, aside from one individual connected to the Kenneth Fire, authorities have yet to find evidence linking arson to the broader crisis.

Henry Winkler, best known for his iconic role on “Happy Days,” was one of the celebrities who ignited debate after sharing a viral theory that the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles are the work of an “arsonist.”

The actor took to X, the social media platform formerly known as Twitter, on Thursday to express his anger, writing, “THERE IS an ARSONIST here in LA. May you be beaten unrecognizable!!! The pain you have caused!!!” His post quickly gained traction online, fueling speculation and heated discussions about the fires’ origins.

Shortly after Winkler’s post, authorities confirmed that one individual had been taken into custody for arson in connection with the Kenneth Fire, which broke out earlier that day in the West Hollywood Hills. According to NewsNation reporter Brian Entin, police have also declared the Victory Trailhead hiking area a crime scene as part of their investigation.

Among the vocal critics is Khloe Kardashian, who took to Instagram Stories to express her fury. “You sick mother f-ckers!” the reality star, 40, wrote. “What the f-ck is wrong with people?!?! Arson!!!! May you be fully prosecuted!!! What scum!!!”

The Kardashian family, known for their philanthropy, has also donated $2,500 worth of meals to first responders battling the devastating fires.

Los Angeles County is in crisis as four major wildfires continue to rage, leaving at least 10 people dead and thousands of residents displaced. Officials warn the true death toll may not be known until investigators can safely access devastated neighborhoods.

According to CNN, since the fires broke out earlier this week, tens of thousands of residents have been urged to evacuate. A countywide evacuation alert accidentally sent to millions prompted confusion and panic, leading officials to issue an apology. Authorities assured the public that efforts are underway to prevent similar issues in the future, urging residents not to disable their emergency alert systems.

The destruction is staggering, with entire neighborhoods reduced to ash. The Palisades Fire alone has destroyed up to 10,000 structures and is on track to become the most expensive wildfire in U.S. history. The Eaton Fire has similarly wreaked havoc, forcing curfews to be enacted as police patrol affected areas to prevent looting. Several arrests have already been made in connection with thefts in evacuated zones.