A federal arson trial starts Monday for Jonathan Rinderknecht, 29.

He is accused of starting last year’s deadly Palisades Fire.

He has pleaded not guilty.

Prosecutors say he started a fire on Jan. 1, 2025.

They say it flared up on Jan. 7.

If convicted, he faces at least five years in prison.

The Palisades Fire killed 12 people.

It destroyed thousands of homes in Pacific Palisades and Malibu.

Judge Anne Hwang blocks one defense idea.

The defense cannot say the Los Angeles Fire Department was careless.

Jury selection should take several days.

The trial should last about two weeks.

Defense lawyer Steve Haney says Rinderknecht is a scapegoat.

He says the fire department did not put out the first fire.

He also says the government lacks strong proof.

He says the proof does not link him to the fire.

Prosecutors say phone data put him near the scene.

They also say investigators found a Bic lighter in his car.

The fire still affects life in Pacific Palisades.

It also affects the city’s mayoral race.

Residents face insurance fights, permit delays, and slow rebuilding.

Only 17 homes have been certified for occupancy.

Mayor Karen Bass makes recovery a main issue.

She wants it in her reelection bid.

Some residents say the trial does not ease their loss.