LAFD in headlines for firefighting woes amid major California wildfires; full‑service city department of LA (and San Fernando under contract).
A man has been arrested for allegedly setting a fire in a Brooklyn building, causing extensive damage. The fire started around 1:45 p.m. and was initially thought to be linked to an e-bike factory. No civilians were injured, but one firefighter was hospitalized. The suspect was later found intoxicated and returned to the scene before being detained. He faces arson and burglary charges.
Recent small plane crashes across the US have resulted in fatalities and injuries. A North Dakota lawmaker has died in Minnesota, while other incidents in Los Angeles and Florida have raised safety concerns. Investigations are ongoing today, April 28, 2026.
The man accused of starting the Palisades fire in Los Angeles has pleaded not guilty. Prosecutors say Jonathan Rinderknecht sparked a January 2025 blaze that killed 12 and destroyed thousands of homes; a June trial date has been set after a pre-trial memo outlines the defendant’s alleged state of mind and motives.
A freight train has struck a city bus near Bangkok’s Airport Rail Link Makkasan station, killing eight people and injuring about 32. Videos show the bus stopped on the tracks at a red light, preventing barriers from closing; the train was unable to stop and the bus and nearby vehicles caught fire. Rescue teams are searching and treating the wounded.
Multiple wildfires are spreading across Southern California, triggering dozens of evacuation orders and warnings. The Sandy Fire near Simi Valley is about 15% contained at roughly 1,700 acres, while the Bain and Verona fires in Riverside County have prompted widespread evacuations as firefighters fight steep terrain and shifting winds.
A shipyard on Staten Island’s Mariners Harbor experienced a fire followed by a blast, seriously injuring a fire marshal and a firefighter and injuring more than a dozen others, including civilians. Officials say a civilian has died and investigations are underway as responders remain at the scene.
Jonathan Rinderknecht has pleaded not guilty to starting what became the Palisades Fire. Prosecutors say the New Year’s blaze began Jan. 1, 2025 and grew into a deadly inferno by Jan. 7, destroying thousands of homes and killing 12 people. Defense contends he is blamed for firefighting failures. Jury selection is underway in federal court in Los Angeles. The trial is expected to last about two weeks.