Federal prosecutors say Jonathan Rinderknecht deliberately set a wildfire in Los Angeles driven by anger, resentment toward the wealthy, and a desire for revenge against society.

The fire later became the destructive Palisades blaze, which killed 12 people and destroyed thousands of homes after reigniting and spreading in strong winds.

His defense argues the fire may have started accidentally while he was on a hillside to watch fireworks and that he even called 911 multiple times to report it.

Prosecutors counter that cellphone and surveillance data place him at the ignition point and describe him as “enthralled by fire,” the New York Times has reported.

Rinderknecht faces three arson charges and up to 45 years in prison if convicted, with the trial expected to last several weeks.