Ronnie Dean Stout II from Northern California refuted allegations claiming that he started the Park Fire by pushing a burning car down an embankment. The fire, which has burned 600 square miles in Tehama and Butte counties, is now considered the state's fifth-largest wildfire. Stout has been charged with reckless arson and related offenses and remains in custody pending his arraignment on Thursday. The blaze has forced over 25,000 people to evacuate from four counties as more than 5,000 firefighters battle to contain the wildfire, which has destroyed 165 structures and damaged several dozen more.

The fire began last Wednesday in Upper Bidwell Park in Butte County, spreading rapidly through Tehama County. Eyewitnesses claim they saw Stout attempt to drive his car out of a grassy area after pulling over to the side of the road. Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey stated that the fire ignited when Stout revved his car's engine, causing the vehicle to catch fire and roll down a 60-foot embankment. Despite Stout denying that he pushed the car down the slope, Ramsey asserted that witnesses observed him leaving the area calmly and blending in with other citizens fleeing the fire.

In Oregon, nearly 10,000 firefighters are combating 43 large fires across the state, with help from local agencies and community members. Oregon's state climatologist warns that worsening heat waves are fueling the fires, placing resources under immense strain. Meanwhile, in Colorado, the Alexander Mountain Fire near Loveland doubled in size overnight, prompting mandatory evacuation orders for parts of Larimer County. The U.S. Forest Service has taken control of the firefighting efforts as challenges persist in containing the wildfire amid high temperatures and low humidity.