David Spade has taken an unusual step to combat the growing problem of wildfires in Los Angeles. The actor and comedian announced on social media that he’s offering a $5,000 reward to anyone who helps the police catch someone attempting to start a fire. This follows a recent incident where a man was arrested after being seen in Woodland Hills allegedly trying to ignite trash and discarded Christmas trees with a blow torch.
The suspect, initially believed to be intentionally starting fires, was released due to insufficient evidence for arson charges. He was, however, arrested for violating felony probation. Assistant Chief Dominic Choi of the LAPD noted that while there wasn’t enough proof for arson charges, the investigation remains active, and the police are grateful for the community’s efforts in reporting suspicious activity.
Spade took to Instagram, urging residents to stay vigilant. “There are guys lighting fires out there, making this worse,” he said, referencing the devastation caused by the wildfires. He encouraged anyone with information to report it, emphasizing that the reward applies only to legitimate cases, cautioning, “Don’t fake it though, no staging.”
Social media users responded positively to Spade’s initiative, praising his commitment to helping the community. Some called him a “true patriot,” while others expressed surprise at his unexpected role as a “vigilante” against arsonists. The wildfires have continued to ravage the area, and the comedian’s offer is a small but significant push toward holding potential arsonists accountable.
For those wishing to assist with wildfire relief, donations can be made to organizations like the Red Cross, which provides aid to affected individuals and families.