Cal Fire investigators arrest Chico man suspected of starting Park Fire, DA says

The suspect was pushing a car that was on fire into a gully near Alligator Hole on Wednesday afternoon, officials say. The car went down a 60-foot embankment and burned up.

OROVILLE — A 42-year-old man suspected of starting the Park Fire is under arrest, Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey announced Thursday morning.

The DA said the man’s identity will be revealed later.

According to a press release from Ramsey, investigators from Cal Fire and the DA’s office followed up on reports of an unknown man pushing a car that was on fire into a gully near Alligator Hole in upper Bidwell Park shortly before 3 p.m. Wednesday. The car went down a 60-foot embankment and burned up.

“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,” Ramsey said. “Cal Fire arson investigators responded immediately, secured the scene, and began to search for clues.”

Flames spreading from the car caused the blaze that surpassed 45,000 acres overnight.

Arson investigators quickly secured the scene and searched for clues. After Cal Fire investigators identified a suspect, the DA’s office helped secure a warrant, and the man was arrested and booked into Butte County Jail.

Per terms in the warrant, the man is being held without bail. He’s set for arraignment Monday.

The investigation continues, and Ramsey asks anyone who was at Alligator Hole between noon and 3 p.m. yesterday — or has other information — to call Cal Fire investigators at 530-538-7888.