SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (KNX) — Authorities announced Wednesday the arrest of a father and son duo on arson charges, months after the start of the devastating Caldor Fire in Northern California.
The wildfire destroyed 221,835 acres of land in El Dorado and Amador Counties after it ignited on Aug. 14 about two miles east of Omo Ranch. More than 400 homes were destroyed, according to SF Gate.
David Smith, 66, and his son Travis Smith, 32, were charged with reckless arson in connection to the fire, El Dorado County District Attorney Vern Pierson said in a statement.
"The two men are accused of violating section 452 of the California Penal Code, commonly referred to as "reckless arson," which caused inhabited properties to burn and resulted in great bodily injury to multiple victims," the DA continued.
The arrests were made through the work of officials with the DA's office, USDA Forest Service, Cal Fire the state Department of Justice and the Sacramento County District Attorney's Crime Lab.
The departments did not share what led them to the Smiths or what the pair did to allegedly cause the fire.
To Read the USFS' report on the fire and it's effects on the region, click here.
