LOWER LAKE, Calif. (AP) – Fire crews gained some significant ground on a massive Northern California wildfire that has destroyed 175 homes, businesses and other structures and charred nearly 7 square miles.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokesman Daniel Berlant tells KMJ’s Morning News (audio below) the fire in Lower Lake, about a two hour drive from San Francisco, was 20 percent contained.
The progress came as authorities arrested 40-year-old Damin Anthony Pashilk of Clearlake, California, on 17 counts of arson Monday. Pashilk is suspected of sparking the blaze that exploded over the weekend. Officials say he is also suspected in several other fires over the past year in Lake County.
Roughly 1,600 firefighters are battling the blaze Tuesday through warm temperatures and light winds.
Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott says the blaze has caused over $10 million in damages and left dozens of families homeless.
Officials made the announcement at a news conference but didn’t take questions or give any other details on Pashilk.
