Butte County Man Charged with Reckless Arson in Park Fire Incident

BUTTE COUNTY — A man has been charged with reckless arson following his initial court appearance on Monday, in connection with the Park Fire that erupted in Northern California. The Butte County District Attorney's Office reported that the accused, identified as Stout, was observed pushing a burning vehicle into a gully near Alligator Hole in upper Bidwell Park, allegedly igniting the flames that led to the fire. During the hearing, Stout waived the reading of the charges against him. District Attorney Mike Ramsey provided details from the California Highway Patrol's investigation, which revealed that the vehicle was left in neutral. Ramsey emphasized that the incident could have been avoided, stating that Stout's actions of revving the engine while attempting to escape the grass contributed to the fire's spread. Stout, however, contends that he was frightened and left the scene, disputing a witness's account of him pushing the flaming car. Stout has a criminal history, with two prior felony convictions from 2001 and 2002, and was released from prison in October 2018. Ramsey noted that due to these prior convictions, Stout faces the possibility of enhanced sentencing. Additionally, Stout's blood alcohol content was reported to be above the legal limit at the time of his arrest, with Ramsey asserting that "involuntary intoxication is not a defense for arson." Stout did not enter a plea during the hearing, and no bail was set, with a continued arraignment scheduled for August 1.