The Tehama County District Attorney’s Office wants to help people make restitution claims resulting from the Park Fire. It was the largest arson-caused fire in California history. It was started by 44-year-old Ronnie Stout, who pushed a burning car into a brush filled ravine in Chico’s Upper Bidwell Park on a red flag fire danger day on July 24th, 2024. The fire burned to the north, affecting several counties. It destroyed more than 700 homes, and covered nearly 430,000 acres. 375,000 acres of that was in Tehama County. Stout was found guilty on July 24th, exactly two years after the fire started. Stout had two prior strikes on his record, and was on probation for DUI, so he faces a possible 25 years to life when he’s sentenced October 9th. That’s when victims can make impact statements. Any Tehama County resident wishing to seek a restitution order can contact the Victim’s Services Division at 527-4296.
-Steve Gibson