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The faulty water heater that sparked the Rocky Fire in Lake County was at the site of an illegal marijuana grow operation, said Lynne Tolmachoff, a Cal Fire spokeswoman.
The Department of of Forestry and Fire Protection determined that the Rocky Fire, which began in late July and lasted more than two weeks, charring 45,000 acres in its wake, was started by a water heater that had failed, causing flammable liquids and nearby vegetation to catch fire.
That vegetation referred to by the department was identified as roughly 100 marijuana plants, which were being illegally grown on the site, Tolmachoff said Wednesday. The faulty water heater was strapped to a tree in an area that was not clear of brush and grass, she added.
“It was set up like a camping area or outdoor space,” she said of the marijuana grow site. She added that the flammable liquids were likely used to grow the plants.
The new details come as firefighters continue to battle the Clayton Fire, also in Lake County. The Clayton Fire was at 40 percent containment Wednesday, with 3,929 acres claimed by the fire.
Cal Fire officials announced the arrest of Damin Anthony Pashilk , 40, who is suspected of starting the Clayton Fire, and well as other fires in the area. He was arraigned Wednesday afternoon in Lakeport courtroom and faced 19 counts, including aggravated arson, arson of forestland and arson with damages in excess of $7 million.
http://www.sacbee.com/news/state/california/fires/article96285087.html