Northern California

Fire Officials Arrest Oroville Man Suspected of Starting Butte County Fire

Spencer Anderson is accused of throwing lit fireworks from his car, sparking the blaze that destroyed 26 homes and businesses.
Fire Officials Arrest Oroville Man Suspected of Starting Butte County Fire
A Cal Fire OV-10 air tactical aircraft releases a puff of smoke while guiding a fire retardant drop during the Thompson Fire, in Oroville, Calif., Wednesday, July 3, 2024. Stephen Lam/San Francisco Chronicle via AP
Jill McLaughlin
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Butte County authorities arrested an Oroville man suspected of throwing flaming fireworks out of his car, starting the Thompson fire this summer that destroyed 26 homes and businesses, county officials announced Aug. 27.

Spencer Grant Anderson, 26, is accused of sparking the fire from his Toyota sedan at about 10:45 a.m. July 2 on Cherokee Road, north of Thompson Flat Road. The flaming object was thrown into a steep embankment next to the road, starting the destructive fire that burned for seven days, according to the county’s District Attorney Michael Ramsey.

Jill McLaughlin
Jill McLaughlin
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Jill McLaughlin is an award-winning journalist covering politics, environment, and statewide issues. She has been a reporter and editor for newspapers in Oregon, Nevada, and New Mexico. Jill was born in Yosemite National Park and enjoys the majestic outdoors, traveling, golfing, and hiking.