California’s ongoing drought conditions and extreme high temperatures have turned the state into a powder keg for wildfires. In addition to climate factors, authorities have stated that about 95% of California fires are human-caused – with the “Park Fire,” still raging out of control, being a case of arson.
On July 24th, a man was seen pushing a burning car into a ravine near the city of Chico, north of California’s capital, sparking the largest wildfire in the state this year and the fourth-largest in history. As of August 4th, fueled by wind, high temperatures, and dry vegetation, the Park Fire quickly scorched over 400,000 acres, destroying 569 structures with thousands more at risk.
According to a statement from the Butte County District Attorney’s Office in Northern California, arson suspect 42-year-old Ronnie Dean Stout II has been charged with intentional and reckless arson and is being held without bail. Specific charges will depend on the extent of damage and whether there were any casualties.
Eleven days after the Park Fire started, containment is only at 30%. The fire has spread beyond Butte County to three neighboring counties. Over 6,500 firefighters from agencies including Cal Fire have been deployed to combat the blaze.
This arson incident highlights a sobering fact: data from Cal Fire shows that 95% of wildfires in California are caused by humans. Cal Fire spokesperson Brent Pascua told English Epoch Times that only 5% of fires are unrelated to human activity.
However, human causes are divided into intentional arson and accidental incidents. Intentional arson cases are relatively rare, with the majority of human-caused fires being accidental. Between 2020 and 2023, 580 arson suspects were arrested, but intentional arson accounted for only 0.9% of wildfires during that period.
Pascua stated, “With so many people, accidents will always happen.” He advised hikers and campers to be properly equipped, avoid open fires, especially in hot and windy conditions.
In addition to the Park Fire, the Hawarden Fire in Riverside County, Southern California, on July 21st, though quickly contained, caused significant destruction estimated at over $10 million. Officials attributed the wildfire to someone igniting illegal fireworks.
Past wildfires in California have been caused by lightning, electrical issues, or fallen power lines. For example, the Camp Fire in Butte County in Northern California in November 2018, destroyed over 18,000 structures and claimed 85 lives, ignited by a fallen power line.
However, a study published in Nature Communications sponsored by the University of California, Irvine in 2022 revealed that human-caused fires are far more destructive in the first few days than fires caused by lightning and other reasons.
Given the severe destructiveness of human-caused fires, agencies like Cal Fire urge the public to be extra cautious in fire-prone areas.
“In the spring, grass cutting is the most common (cause of fires).” Cal Fire public information officer Gary Couch told reporters that lawnmowers can generate sparks igniting dry grass. Similar risks exist with hot exhausts or moving equipment.
When working outdoors near combustible materials, Couch recommends carrying a bucket of water and a shovel at all times to prevent fires. He also advised residents to do yard work between 6 am and 10 am when temperatures are lower and humidity is higher. In case of any fire emergencies, immediately dial 911.