"It was a long investigation, there was a lot moving parts to it," Larry Pilgrim, Anderson's attorney, told The New York Times. "He is just being accused at this point."
The fire erupted shortly before 11 a.m. on July 2 when temperatures were above 100 degrees (38 Celsius), humidity was low and high winds were blowing, authorities said.
A car seen at the location of the fire's start led to identification of Anderson the next day and lengthy surveillance as investigators built their case.
Authorities allege that during questioning, he admitted that he purchased fireworks in Oroville and went to the location to test one by throwing it out of his car window.
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