The Rim Fire blaze that has burned 237,341 acres thus far and was previously determined to have been started by an illegal marijuana grow has now been determined to have been started by a hunter who allowed the illegal fire to escape.
No arrests have been made and the suspected hunter’s name, although known to authorities, is being withheld until the investigation is complete. It is unknown presently whether he was with a group, or if a campfire was involved in the blaze that is now 80% contained, according to the U.S. Forest Service Spokesman Ray Mooney.
After an investigation at the scene where the blaze began, investigators found no evidence that an illegal marijuana grow existed at the location. The National Interagency Fire Center also confirmed on Tuesday that no lightening strikes had occurred at the location on Jawbone Ridge either.
The fire, which has cost taxpayers approximately $80 million is the largest fire that has occurred in the Sierra Nevada Range in recorded history.
111 structures, including 11 homes were destroyed in the fire that started on August 27th. Over 5,000 firefighter were brought in to battle the blaze.
Although the fire will likely smolder well into the fall season, the fire is expected to be in full containment by September 20th.