The Park Fire devastating Butte County became California's largest wildfire in history caused by arson. 42-year-old Ronnie Stout was arrested for pushing a burning car, facing penalties based on intent and damages.
California's arson laws under Penal Codes 451 and 452 differentiate between willful and malicious arson, punishing up to nine years, or reckless burning, a mix of misdemeanor or felony charges.
Of California's 20 largest wildfires, most are due to lightning and non-arson human activity, with power lines as another cause. Arson is rarely detected, making the Park Fire's origin a significant event.
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