Investigation Reveals The Cause Of The Power Fire

US Forest Service, Sequoia National Forest
Contact: Denise Alonzo
Investigation Reveals The Cause Of The Power Fire

Porterville, CA., November 17, 2009...A month-long investigation by U.S. Forest Service Special Agents and Law Enforcement Officers has revealed the cause of the Power Fire. The fire started along Highway 190 approximately one mile east of Upper Coffee Camp Day Use Area on the Western Divide Ranger District, Giant Sequoia National Monument.

Investigators have identified a 17 year-old juvenile from the Central Valley as having started the Power Fire using a cigarette lighter carelessly. Arson has not been ruled out as a motive and the juvenile, whose name is being withheld due to his age, will be referred to the Tulare County District Attorney's Office for prosecution.

The Power Fire was discovered seconds after it’s start along Highway 190 the evening of Sunday, September 27, 2009 by a Forest Service employee returning to the office. The 329-acre Power Fire destroyed a portion of the flume that runs between the PG&E Powerhouse and Springville, left 1000 residents above Springville without power for twelve hours, and closed Highway 190 between Springville and Camp Nelson for three days.

Fire officials urge the public to "Please Be Fire Safe," when visiting our forests and public lands. Wildfires can be damaging. The personal liability can be enormous for the cost of suppression and damages caused by any wildfire that starts by negligence.