Smith is arrested as prosecutors weigh possible criminal charges
Authorities reported Thursday that a body was found inside a central California home burned by the wildfire, according to the Associated Press. The fire destroyed seven structures and scorched more than 15 square miles of forest in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Calaveras County.
The blaze was started Monday. Herbert Wayne Smith, 65, was arrested Wednesday in connection with it, authorities said.
Investigators believe the fire started accidentally when sparks came from a chain saw. The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Smith is suspected of “recklessly causing” the blaze while “operating equipment capable of producing sparks” without clearing flammable vegetation as required.
Smith told KCRA-TV that he was using a chain saw to cut scrap wood when it ignited.
The department’s account describes a suspected violation involving equipment use and vegetation clearing. Prosecutors will determine whether to file criminal charges.