Actor Brian J. White stepped into a real-life crisis on Thursday when he and several of his neighbors worked together to apprehend a man carrying a blowtorch in Woodland Hills, Deadline reports.
The incident occurred as Los Angeles faced a devastating wildfire crisis, including the Kenneth Fire, which was rapidly spreading through nearby West Hills.
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White, his wife Paula Da Silva, and their daughter were preparing to evacuate after receiving emergency alerts about the encroaching fires when chaos erupted outside their home. A neighbor had spotted a man with a blowtorch attempting to ignite trash on White’s property, which contained dry, flammable materials. The man had reportedly been seen earlier in the area, trying to light an old Christmas tree on fire, before being pursued to White’s home.
Acting quickly, White and two other neighbors confronted the individual, who became increasingly aggressive. When the situation escalated, they detained the man using zip ties and rope while waiting for police to arrive. Within minutes, multiple LAPD cruisers reached the scene. Although initially suspected of arson, the man was later arrested for a felony probation violation due to insufficient evidence tying him to the fire’s origin.
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The Kenneth Fire, like several others burning across Los Angeles, has forced thousands to evacuate and destroyed significant property. Fierce Santa Ana winds have fueled the flames, making containment efforts challenging for firefighters. The Palisades Fire, another significant blaze in the region, has scorched tens of thousands of acres, destroyed over 10,000 structures, and claimed at least 11 lives. President Joe Biden recently approved a federal disaster declaration to provide aid to affected communities.
For White, who has portrayed police officers and military personnel in numerous roles, the experience drew on his years of on-screen training. “Staying calm and focused was critical,” he shared with Deadline. “I just wanted to ensure my family and neighbors were safe until the police arrived.”
Footage of the incident, captured by White’s wife and a neighbor, quickly went viral, drawing international attention. Despite declining initial interviews, White emphasized that the group’s actions were rooted in community safety rather than seeking recognition.
In the aftermath, the Woodland Hills neighborhood has come together, creating a neighborhood watch and strengthening connections among residents. White reflected on the unity the crisis has inspired: “It’s moments like this that remind us how important it is to look out for each other. This is what being a community is all about.”
As the wildfire crisis continues across Southern California, residents like White and his neighbors exemplify resilience and a commitment to protecting their communities during these unprecedented challenges.