The Park Fire, a massive blaze that emerged overnight near Chico, Calif., has already burned more than 45,000 acres and forced the evacuation of thousands of local residents.
Less than a day after it began on Wednesday, fire investigators arrested a 42-year-old Chico man on suspicion of pushing a burning car into Bidwell Park and starting the blaze, according to the Butte County District Attorney’s Office. At about 3 p.m. yesterday, the man was seen pushing the vehicle into a gully near a popular swimming area called Alligator Hole.
“The car went down an embankment approximately 60 feet and burned completely, spreading flames that caused the Park Fire,” the news release from District Attorney Mike Ramsey said. “The male was then seen calmly leaving the area by blending in with the other citizens who were in the area and fleeing the rapidly evolving fire.”
That’s similar to descriptions of the incident from locals. In a private Facebook group for Chico residents called Chico Rants and Raves, one post — published before police announced the arrest on Thursday — claimed to have seen the incident occur.
“I watched a man’s car blow up, and then he got back into it, put it in neutral and let it roll down the hill into all the grass and upper park,” Elizabeth Fox wrote. “Count your days, dude ’cause you will be found. You could have hurt so many people.”
In less than 24 hours, the Park Fire has burned 45,550 acres, according to Cal Fire. No deaths or damage to structures has been reported so far, but just 3% of the blaze was contained as of Thursday afternoon.
Resources currently dedicated to fighting the fire include 1,153 personnel, six helicopters, and 153 vehicles.
Cal Fire arson investigators responded immediately and began to search for clues to the identity of the unknown man, according to the district attorney’s office. The man’s name will be released later this afternoon, according to the release.
Ramsey said the investigation is ongoing. Anyone who has information or was in the Alligator Hole area between the hours of noon and 3:00 p.m. on July 24 is encouraged to call Cal Fire investigations at (530) 538-7888.
