The massive Rim Fire on the west edge of Yosemite National Park was caused by a hunter who lost control of his campfire, authorities said Thursday.
The hunter, whose name has not been released, started an illegal campfire while traveling in remote wilderness within the Stanislaus National Forest, about three miles east of the Sierra foothill town of Groveland, the U.S. Forest Service said.
The campfire grew into a wildfire Aug. 17 and has since burned more than 370 square miles, both in the national forest and nearby Yosemite. The fire is the fourth largest in California history and has destroyed 111 structures, including 11 homes, forest service officials said.
The forest service indicated it had identified the hunter, but said it would withhold his name as the investigation continued. No charges have been filed.
