A rapidly spreading wildfire in Butte County, California, known as the Park Fire, has burned over 120,000 acres and forced the evacuation of more than 3,500 people.
The fire, which began on Wednesday afternoon, was allegedly started by a man pushing a burning car into a ravine near Chico.
On Thursday, authorities arrested 42-year-old Ronnie Dean Stout II of Chico on suspicion of starting the fire. According to Butte County District Attorney Michael L. Ramsey, Stout was seen pushing a burning car into a gully in Upper Bidwell Park, near a swimming hole called Alligator Hole. The car tumbled approximately 60 feet down an embankment, igniting the surrounding area and sparking the massive blaze.
Witnesses reported seeing Stout “calmly” leaving the scene, attempting to blend in with others fleeing. Photos taken by a bystander were circulated on social media, aiding in the suspect’s identification and subsequent arrest.
The Park Fire quickly grew to become California’s largest active wildfire, with only 3% containment reported by late Thursday. The blaze has prompted Governor Gavin Newsom to secure a Fire Management Assistance Grant (FMAG) from the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) to help fight the fire. This grant will allow local, state, and tribal agencies to apply for 75% reimbursement of eligible fire suppression costs.
Stout, who is being held without bail, has a criminal history that includes two previous felony convictions. In 2001, he was convicted of lewd and lascivious acts with a minor, and in 2002, he received a 20-year sentence in state prison for robbery. He is scheduled for arraignment on Monday, where he may face charges of intentional arson.
The District Attorney’s office noted that the ultimate charges filed against Stout will depend on whether anyone is injured or killed in the Park Fire. The incident has led to widespread evacuations, with about 4,000 people still displaced according to the Butte County Sheriff’s Office. The Tehama County Sheriff’s Office has also been issuing new evacuation orders as the fire continues to spread.