Florida Man Arrested for Allegedly Starting California’s Palisades Fire: Federal Charges Filed

A shocking twist connects a Florida resident to one of Los Angeles’ most destructive wildfires.

Los Angeles, CA – October 11, 2025 —
Federal prosecutors have announced the arrest of a Florida man accused of deliberately starting the 2021 Palisades Fire, a massive blaze that scorched thousands of acres in Los Angeles County and forced hundreds of residents to flee their homes. The suspect, identified as Daniel Scott Morales, 43, of Naples, Florida, was taken into custody this week and charged with maliciously setting fire to federal land and destruction of property by fire, according to a statement released by the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Central District of California.

The Palisades Fire, which erupted in the Santa Monica Mountains in May 2021, burned more than 1,200 acres and destroyed multiple homes in the upscale Pacific Palisades neighborhood. Investigators at the time suspected human involvement but were unable to confirm a suspect—until now.

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The Breakthrough in the Case

According to court documents, federal agents were able to link Morales to the scene of the fire after new forensic evidence surfaced earlier this year. DNA recovered from items found near the ignition point reportedly matched Morales, who had a prior criminal record involving property damage and arson-related incidents in Florida.

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) jointly reopened the Palisades Fire investigation in 2024 following the discovery of new witness statements and surveillance footage that appeared to show a man matching Morales’s description leaving the wooded area shortly before the blaze began.

Authorities coordinated with Florida law enforcement to track Morales’s movements. He was arrested outside his residence in Collier County without incident.

“This arrest represents a significant step toward justice for the victims of the Palisades Fire,”said U.S. Attorney Martin Estrada in a press briefing Friday.

“Wildfires caused by human activity devastate communities and natural ecosystems. We will continue to pursue those who endanger lives and destroy property for reckless or malicious reasons.”

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Details of the Federal Complaint

In the unsealed federal complaint, prosecutors allege that Morales traveled from Florida to California in the weeks leading up to the fire. Investigators believe he had been camping illegally in the canyon area and may have set the blaze intentionally after an argument with other transients.

The complaint further states that Morales was seen purchasing lighter fluid and camping gear from a nearby convenience store days before the incident. A notebook recovered from his belongings allegedly contained references to “cleansing by fire” and “starting over.”

If convicted, Morales faces up to 20 years in federal prison and fines exceeding $500,000.

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Community Impact and Recovery

The Palisades Fire was among the most destructive in the region that year. Fueled by high winds and dry conditions, it took more than 540 firefighters and aerial support from LAFD and Cal Fire to bring the blaze under control after three exhausting days. No fatalities were reported, but several firefighters sustained minor injuries, and dozens of families were displaced.

Local residents still remember the fear and chaos as flames crept dangerously close to homes in the hillside community. “You could feel the heat from our driveway,” said Martha Reynolds, a longtime resident of Palisades Highlands. “Knowing now that someone might have done this on purpose is heartbreaking.”

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Wider Context: Human-Caused Wildfires on the Rise

Experts say human-caused fires like the Palisades blaze now account for nearly 85 percent of all wildfires in the United States, according to the National Interagency Fire Center (NIFC).
The combination of climate change, urban sprawl, and reckless human behavior has dramatically increased both the frequency and intensity of wildfires across the country.

Environmental analyst Dr. Kara Nelson told The Los Angeles Times,

“When you add arson to already extreme climate conditions, it’s a perfect storm. These fires aren’t just destroying land—they’re reshaping ecosystems and displacing entire communities.”

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Florida Connection Raises Questions

Authorities have not yet revealed Morales’s motive, but investigators believe his move from Florida to California may have been linked to a history of mental-health struggles. Court records indicate he received treatment for substance abuse and anger-management issues in 2020.

The interstate nature of the crime has drawn attention to how federal and state agencies share data on arson suspects. Law enforcement officials have called for stronger coordination to prevent similar cases.

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What Happens Next

Morales is currently being held in federal custody in Los Angeles pending a detention hearing next week. Prosecutors say they will seek to keep him in custody until trial due to flight-risk concerns.

Meanwhile, California officials praised the years-long investigation. “Justice may take time, but it always arrives,” said Los Angeles Fire Chief Kristin Crowley.
She urged residents to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and support fire-prevention initiatives across the state.

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Sources:

• U.S. Department of Justice
• Associated Press 
• Los Angeles Times