Man convicted of causing Park fire, one of California's largest blazes

Key Points:

• Ronnie Stout, a 44-year-old man from Chico, was found guilty of intentionally starting California’s fourth-largest wildfire, which burned approximately 429,000 acres and destroyed 427 homes in Butte County.
• The fire began on July 24, 2024, when Stout recklessly revved his car’s engine in dry grass on a 100-degree day with strong winds, igniting the vegetation and pushing the flaming vehicle down a hill, sparking the massive blaze.
• Stout was convicted of felony arson with multiple enhancements, including causing destruction of residential structures and being a three-strike offender; he faces 25 years to life in prison and will be sentenced on October 9.
• The court heard that Stout had a prior criminal history including convictions for child molestation and robbery, and was on parole at the time of the fire; witnesses saw him fleeing the scene and later identified him from photos shared on social media.
• After being contacted by CalFire officials, Stout showed no remorse and was arrested the day after the fire started; he waived his right to a jury trial, leaving the judge to decide his guilt.