Illegal Campfire to Blame for Rim Fire in Yosemite

The cause of the Rim Fire in Yosemite National Park, the fourth largest wildfire on record in the state of

California and the largest in the Sierra Nevada, has been traced back to the illegal campfire of a hunter

in the Stanislaus National Forest, according to an announcement made by the U.S. Forest Service on

Thursday, September 5. Due to warm temperatures and dry conditions, the fire spread to what has

become the largest fire in Yosemite in the books. The Rim Fire, which started on August 17, is currently

80% contained and should be 100% contained by September 20.

It was previously speculated that the fire was started by someone growing marijuana plants in a remote

area. This was suggested by Todd McNeal, fire chief at Twain Harte Fire and Rescue, when he

commented on it on August 23. It was clear to investigators that lightning had not caused the fire, and it

was most likely caused by human error. The hunter who caused it was not required to register his visit at

the park. Many hunters visit the park to hunt deer, which they hunt using archery.

The U.S. Forest Service determined the cause of the fire after a two-week investigation. The

organization has not released any information pertaining to the hunter who illegally started a campfire

in a remote forest area west of Yosemite. The area cannot be accessed by trials or public roads.The fire,

which started nearby Groveland and Highway 120, eventually burned through 237,341 acres (370

square miles), including 66,155 acres inside of Yosemite. At one point, the fire threatened San

Francisco’s water supply as it neared the HetchHetchy Reservoir. More than 5,000 firefighters were

called into fight the Rim Fire. Highway 120 is still closed.

It is unclear whether or not agencies will attempt to hold the hunter financially responsible for the fire.

Authorities have not arrested the hunter. Thus far, it has cost $81 million to fight the fire, which has

destroyed 111 structures, 11 homes and caused five injuries. The campfire was illegal during a ban on

campfires, smoking and stoves implemented by Susan Skalski, the Supervisor of Stanislaus National

Forest. Skalski implemented the ban in “high hazard areas” in June and expanded it into “moderate

hazard areas” on August 8. Kyle Graham, law professor at Santa Clara University and former national

park ranger, told Mercury News that California may persecute the hunter “to send a message, or to

recover some costs, or both” even though most people would never be able to afford the millions of

dollars spent fighting the blaze.

Deer hunters starting campfires in remote areas near Jawbone Ridgeis dangerous in areas with difficult

terrain, in low elevation and in hot weather when vegetation is dry. The area had also been unburned

for some time.Violating the ban can result in $5,000 in fines, six months in jail and financial

responsibility for the cost of fighting the fire. Action against the hunter and the release of his identity are

pending while the U.S. Forest Service continues its investigation. The fire should be completely

contained once it burns through remaining land between its southeast side and containment lines built

by firefighters.