Man Accused of Starting Destructive California Wildfire

A 26-year-old man from Oroville, Calif., has been charged with starting a destructive wildfire by tossing a firework from a car window in early July. Spencer Grant Anderson faces multiple arson charges after a detailed investigation by Butte County authorities. The Thompson Fire, which began on July 2, burned nearly 6 square miles, destroying 13 homes and damaging others around Oroville.

Following weeks of surveillance, investigators pinpointed Anderson as the suspect through a car spotted at the fire's origin. Anderson has been held without bail after his court appearance, with charges including arson of inhabited structures and forest land. He is due back in court Wednesday for plea proceedings and pretrial hearings, according to the Butte County District Attorney's Office.

"It was a long investigation; there were a lot of moving parts to it," said Anderson's attorney, Larry Pilgrim, to the New York Times. Anderson allegedly admitted to purchasing fireworks in Oroville and throwing one from his vehicle. The fire broke out when temperatures exceeded 100 degrees, with low humidity and high winds fueling its spread. Anderson's arrest on Aug. 22 followed authorities' conclusion that he tested fireworks in hazardous conditions. (This story was generated by Newser's AI chatbot. Source: the AP)