Update: Man Arrested For Starting Out Of Control Fire In Butte County

Cal-Fire Investigators say a man has been arrested for starting a fire in Butte County that has destroyed 10 homes and 20 outbuildings. The Ponderosa Fire broke out 2 miles north west of Forbestown east of Lake Oroville around One O’clock Tuesday afternoon and has burned at least 2500 acres with no containment. Investigators say that 29-year-old John Ballenger of Oroville is suspected of recklessly starting a campfire outside a designated campground and allowing it to escape. 500 structures remain threatened by the fire.

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