Northern California Man Charged With Felony Arson in Connection With Massive Fire

The suspect did not enter a plea and remains in custody. The fire has destroyed 192 structures and was 14 percent contained as of Tuesday.

Smoke rises above the roadway as the Park Fire jumps Highway 36 near Paynes Creek in Tehama County, Calif., on July 26, 2024. Noah Berger/AP Photo

A Chico man is facing arson charges and life in prison for allegedly pushing a burning car down a ravine in a city park last week starting what’s now known as the Park fire, which has become one of the largest fires in California’s history, Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey announced July 29.

During a court arraignment in Butte County Superior Court, Ronnie Dean Stout II, 42, was charged with intentional arson with a special allegation added for allegedly destroying more than one residence in the blaze, which has consumed 602 square miles.