A 42-year-old man from Chico, California was arrested on suspicion of arson for allegedly pushing a burning car into a ravine, sparking the massive Park Fire that has burned over 70,000 acres in Butte County. The man was seen pushing the car into a gully near Bidwell Park, causing flames that led to the wildfire. The blaze, now California’s largest active wildfire, spread rapidly and was only 3% contained by Thursday afternoon. After pushing the car, the man calmly left the area and blended in with other citizens as the fire evolved. Arson investigators identified the suspect and issued a warrant for his arrest. The man was booked into the Butte County Jail and is being held without bail until his arraignment on Monday. Authorities plan to release the suspect’s name later on Thursday. The wildfire was fueled by extremely hot temperatures and has prompted evacuations, road closures, and air pollution. Wildfires have been occurring throughout California and the western US, causing widespread damage and destruction.
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Man igniting car and pushing it into ravine triggers Park Fire, scorching over 70,000 acres in California.
