A US federal judge in Florida has ordered Jonathan Rinderknecht, the man accused of igniting California’s deadly Palisades Fire, to remain in custody over concerns about his mental health and reliability to appear in court, after prosecutors described him as showing arsonist tendencies and family members raised alarm about his behavior.

Federal investigators allege that Rinderknecht, a Los Angeles resident, started a small fire on New Year’s Day that smoldered underground before reigniting and sweeping through Pacific Palisades, an affluent coastal neighborhood, according to NBC News.

The blaze, which killed 12 people in Pacific Palisades and Malibu, was among two major fires on January 7 that together left more than 30 people dead, destroyed over 17,000 homes and buildings, and burned across large parts of Los Angeles County for days.

Wider context 

ATF agent Thomas Harrison testified that Rinderknecht had relocated to Florida five months ago to live with his sister and brother-in-law in Brevard County, but the couple has since begun eviction proceedings, citing fears for their safety.

Police were twice called to the home last month, once after Rinderknecht allegedly threatened to set the house on fire during an argument, and again when he told his visiting father he possessed a gun and would use it in self-defense, but no arrests or charges were made in either incident.

Rinderknecht remains held at Seminole County Jail ahead of an October 17 hearing, where prosecutors are expected to present evidence to formally charge him in connection with the Palisades Fire.

Can the US unstable insurance industry compensate?

Compared to the highly destructive wildfires the US had previously seen, insurance giant Aon said in January that the wildfire ranking in the country's costliest top five, given the massive losses and extensive damages to some of the highest-valued properties and structures, including uninsured ones. 

Porter further stated at the time that the events could have lasting impacts on health and tourism, while the insurance industry, which is already in crisis, simultaneously faces significant challenges. 

In the US, homeowners with mortgages are generally required by banks to maintain property insurance. However, insurers have been raising premiums or canceling policies altogether due to increasing risks from natural disasters like wildfires, floods, and hurricanes.

As private companies withdraw from offering coverage, more people are turning to state-run home insurance programs, which typically cost more and provide less comprehensive protection.  

In California, the number of policies under the state's Fair Plan surged from around 200,000 in 2020 to over 450,000 by September of last year. Areas impacted by wildfires are among those with the highest adoption rates.