Chico man convicted of starting Park Fire, California’s historic blaze
A Chico man, Ronnie Stout, was found guilty of felony arson for starting the Park Fire in 2024 by pushing a burning car down a hill, a blaze that grew into California’s fourth-largest wildfire, burning about 429,000 acres and destroying hundreds of homes. He faces 25 years to life in prison with multiple enhancements; sentencing is Oct. 9. Stout has prior convictions including child molestation and robbery.