CAL FIRE has determined a cause for the huge Valley Fire that broke out 11 months ago near Middletown in Lake County.
"The investigation uncovered evidence that a residential electrical connection arced and ignited surrounding dry grass behind a home on High Valley Road." says CAL FIRE Director Ken Pimlott.
Pimlott says the home where the fire started suffered some damage, but is still intact. No decision has been made on whether anyone will be charged with a crime or forced to pay for the cost of fighting the fire.
The Valley Fire killed four people, seriously injured four firefighters, destroyed more than 1,900 buildings and burned more than 76,000 acres in Lake, Sonoma and Napa counties.
It is the third most destructive wildfire in state history, costing more than $57 million to suppress.
- Capital Public Radio Staff
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