A burned body has been discovered inside a home in central California after a wildfire that investigators believe was accidentally started by sparks from a chainsaw. The fire has destroyed seven structures and scorched more than 15 square miles (39 square km) of forest in the Sierra Nevada foothills of Calaveras County.
Arrest Made
A 65-year-old man, identified as Herbert Wayne Smith, was arrested on Wednesday in connection with the blaze. He is suspected of "recklessly causing" the fire on Monday while operating equipment capable of producing sparks without clearing flammable vegetation, as required by the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.
Smith told KCRA-TV that he was using a chainsaw to cut scrap wood when it ignited. He expressed remorse, saying, "I'm so sorry for everything that's happened. This is going to destroy my life, one way or another."
Investigation and Impact
Prosecutors will determine whether to file criminal charges. Investigators are also looking into whether the fire contributed to the death of the person found in a burned home near the town of Angels Camp, according to the Calaveras County Sheriff's Office.
In Washington state, north of California, three major fires continue to burn around Spokane. Cooler temperatures and calmer winds have allowed firefighters to make progress, officials said Thursday. At least 800 buildings have been destroyed, but no deaths have been reported.
