The Caldor fire in California which burnt across the state for almost 2 months and caused major destruction in terms of forestation, as well as a threat to Lake Tahoe, might finally see the culprits who started it in the first place!
A father and son duo were arrested in connection with the Caldor fire which erupted in El Dorado County earlier this year.
David Scott Smith aged 66 and his son Travis Shane Smith of 32 years were arrested for their reckless attitude and starting an arson stated the El Dorado County district attorney’s office.
Ramey warrants were released for the pair. The Ramey warrant is issued before the prosecutor can formally press charges against the arrested individuals.
It will be followed up by an investigation which will be led by the U.S. Forest Service and the El Dorado County District Attorney Office mutually.
According to the California penal code, “A person is guilty of causing a fire when they recklessly set fire to, burn, or cause the burning of any structure, forest land, or property.”
The father and son will be represented by a Sacramento-based criminal defense attorney named Mark Reichel, who stated that “Travis Smith called 911 after spotting the flames, and was in the area where the fire originated. Reichel said he is unaware of what evidence investigators believe links his clients to the start of the fire, but maintained they “definitely were not intentionally setting a fire.”
“They are 100% innocent of the charges,” said Reichel, adding that the District Attorney is expected to file charges shortly.
The Caldor fire erupted on August 14, 2021 near the Pollock Pines – a midway area between Lake Tahoe and Sacramento. The disastrous fire burnt approximately 221,000 acres of land and traveled about 40 miles in the direction of Lake Tahoe.
The fire caused more than 50,000 people to evacuate their lands including the city of South Lake Tahoe, California.
The fire was completely extinguished on October 21, 2021.
