Henry Winkler, the Emmy-winning actor who rose to fame as leather-jacketed greaser Arthur “The Fonz” Fonzarelli on ABC’s “Happy Days” (1974-1984), has ignited controversy with claims about the devastating wildfires ravaging Los Angeles, California. During its peak, “Happy Days” drew 55 million viewers weekly and earned Winkler two Golden Globe Awards and three Emmy nominations for his iconic role.
Winkler, 79, took to social media platform X with an emphatic message stating, “THERE IS an ARSONIST here in LA. May you be beaten you unrecognizable !!! The pain you have caused !!!” The post from the celebrated actor, who lives in Brentwood, Los Angeles, quickly went viral.
The Los Angeles Fire Department responded to Winkler’s claims through TMZ, stating, “There’s no way to know at this moment exactly where and how the series of fires started, but an investigation is underway.” A department official clarified that while the arson squad investigates each fire, this is standard procedure for all major fires and does not confirm arson as the cause.
Los Angeles Fire Department Chief Kristin Crowley addressed the speculation at a press conference, referring to the Pacific Palisades blaze as a “natural disaster” while confirming that arson investigators are actively investigating the fire’s origins. Crowley noted that the extreme conditions, including no rainfall since March 2024 and winds reaching up to 100 mph, have contributed significantly to the fires’ rapid spread.
The fires have caused unprecedented destruction across Southern California, destroying more than 45 square miles and 1,300 structures, causing an estimated $48 billion in damage. At least five people have lost their lives in the disaster, with 130,000 residents forced to evacuate their homes. The Los Angeles Fire Department has deployed over 1,000 firefighters to combat the blazes, with support from neighboring counties.
The devastation has particularly impacted Hollywood’s elite, with numerous celebrities losing their homes. Billy Crystal and his wife Janice lost their residence of 45 years in the Palisades Fire. Crystal’s spokesperson confirmed the total loss of the $26 million property, which the comedian had called home since 1979. Other stars who have lost their homes include Eugene Levy, John Goodman, and Paris Hilton. Actor Mel Gibson’s $14 million Malibu mansion was also destroyed.
The National Guard has been deployed to assist with firefighting efforts as blazes spread across iconic southern California locations. Two new fires broke out overnight in the Hollywood Hills and Studio City, forcing first responders to redistribute their already limited resources. Fire officials report that the dangerous conditions have led to “triaging” decisions about which properties can be saved.
The Los Angeles Fire Department has issued mandatory evacuation orders for areas within Hollywood Boulevard to the south, Mulholland Drive to the north, the 101 Freeway to the east, and Laurel Canyon Boulevard to the west. One resident responded to Winkler’s post: “I’ve been watching all day and night. How is it possible for the fires to keep jumping for miles and miles. How did the Hollywood Hills fire start? I’m starting to wonder if it is arsonists or terrorists or both.”
The widespread fires have disrupted major Los Angeles events, including the Critics Choice Awards postponement and an NHL game between the LA Kings and Calgary Flames. Local emergency services have established evacuation centers at six locations throughout the city, providing shelter for displaced residents.
