Rim Fire cause determined by investigators
eheinz@tahoedailytribune.com
AP Photo/U.S. Forest Service, Mike McMillan | USFS
The Rim Fire was caused by a hunter’s illegal fire that escaped out of control, the U.S. Forest Law Enforcement and Investigations with Tuolumne County District Attorney’s Office announced Thursday
The hunter’s name is currently being withheld pending the investigation.
According to the U.S. Forest Service Lake Tahoe Basin Management Unit Order No. 19-13-06, signed July 1, violating prohibitions of forest fires can be punishable by $5,000 for an individual or $10,000 for an organization, or imprisonment of no more than six months in jail.
Intentionally starting a wildfire can come with more serious consequences depending on the severity of the fire and damage caused.
The Forest Service made note that the fire was not caused by a marijuana cultivation operation, as no sites were found in the area.
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