Vehicle started the Chimney Fire, investigators say
March 30, 2017
Cal Fire investigators have determined a vehicle started last summer’s Chimney Fire that burned more than 46,000 acres near Lake Nacimiento and destroyed about 50 homes.
A vehicle driving on a dirt road south of the lake near Running Deer Road and Chimney Rock Road ignited the blaze at 4:03 p.m. on Aug. 13, according to Cal Fire. The vehicle coming in contact with dry grass was the sole cause of the blaze, a Cal Fire news release states.
The Chimney Fire, which lasted more than three weeks, burned 46,344 acres. It destroyed 49 homes and 21 outbuildings and damaged eight other structures.
For more than a week, the Chimney Fire threatened Hearst Castle, shutting down public access to the historical landmark from Aug. 20 to Aug. 28. Fire official declared the Chimney Fire totally contained on Sept. 6. It required several thousand fire personnel to contain the blaze.
KSBY reports Cal Fire has located the driver who started the Chimney Fire. The individual is cooperating with investigators, and authorities will not file charges against the person.
Investigators managed to find the driver after speaking with a farmer who had seen the vehicle. Fire personnel then determined who the driver was by process of elimination.
The comments below represent the opinion of the writer and do not represent the views or policies of CalCoastNews.com. Please address the Policies, events and arguments, not the person. Constructive debate is good; mockery, taunting, and name calling is not. Comment Guidelines