BUTTE COUNTY, California (Reuters) — Authorities have arrested a 29-year-old man for causing a fast-moving wildfire that has destroyed 10 homes and forced the evacuation of some residents in Northern California, fire officials said on Wednesday (August 30).
John Ballenger of the town of Oroville is accused of “recklessly” starting a campfire outside a designated area and allowing it to spread out of control, Cal Fire Butte County Chief Darren Read said in a statement. Oroville is about 70 miles (110 kilometers) north of Sacramento.
Less than 24 hours after it began on Tuesday afternoon, the so-called Ponderosa Fire had consumed about 2,500 acres (1,000 hectares) in Butte County, about 85 miles (135 km) north of Sacramento, according to information on the Cal Fire website.
In addition to the homes, the fire has destroyed 20 outbuildings.
Another 15 buildings have been damaged by the flames and 500 more are threatened, Cal Fire said on its website.
