OROVILLE, Calif. – In a shocking turn of events, a 26-year-old man from Oroville has been accused of setting ablaze a destructive California wildfire in early July. It is alleged that Spencer Grant Anderson threw a firework from a car window during extremely hot, dry, and windy conditions, igniting the catastrophic blaze.

Following weeks of intense surveillance by investigators, Anderson was charged by the Butte County District Attorney’s Office on Monday. The fire, known as the Thompson fire, ravaged nearly 6 square miles of land, including 13 homes and multiple other structures in the Oroville area of the northern Sacramento Valley.

Anderson faces charges including arson of an inhabited structure, arson of forest land, and arson causing multiple structures to burn. He was remanded into custody on a no-bail hold pending further legal proceedings.

Larry Pilgrim, Anderson’s attorney, stated that the investigation was complex and emphasized that his client is currently only accused of the crimes. The case is still unfolding as Anderson is scheduled for further court appearances.

The fire erupted under extreme weather conditions, with temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Fahrenheit, low humidity, and strong winds fueling the flames. Following the fire’s start, a car spotted at the scene led authorities to identify Anderson as a suspect, prompting an extensive surveillance operation.

Subsequent warrants were executed on August 22, resulting in Anderson’s arrest. During questioning, he reportedly confessed to purchasing fireworks in Oroville and testing one by throwing it out of his car window at the fire’s location.