A 42-year-old Chico man was arrested Thursday morning by CalFire arson investigators on suspicion of starting the Park Fire, the Butte County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release.

The man’s identity will be released later Thursday, authorities said.

Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey said the man was arrested after he was seen pushing a burning car into a gully near the Alligator Hole in upper Bidwell Park shortly before 3 p.m. on Wednesday.

The car went down an embankment about 60 feet and burned completely, spreading the flames that caused the fire east of Chico. The man blended in with others fleeing the rapidly spreading blaze, Ramsey said.

CalFire arson investigators responded immediately, secured the scene, and began working to identify the suspect.

Related Story: Wildfire Explodes Near Chico, Prompting Widespread Evacuations

Suspect Held Without Bail

The man was eventually identified and an arrest warrant was issued Thursday morning. He was booked into the Butte County Jail, where he is being held without bail.

Anyone with information or who was in the Alligator Hole area between noon and 3 p.m. Wednesday is encouraged to call CalFire investigations at (530) 538-7888.

The #ParkFire can be seen from GOES-West satellite imagery this morning. A Red Flag Warning is in effect this afternoon through Friday evening. Follow @ButteSheriff @CALFIRE_ButteCo @CALFIRETGU @TehamaSheriff for updates, and practice critical fire weather safety! #CAwx pic.twitter.com/oRaiFlMJI2

— NWS Sacramento (@NWSSacramento) July 25, 2024