The man accused of starting the Park Fire pleaded not guilty this afternoon at the Butte County Superior Court.
Prosecutors say Ronnie Dean Stout II started the fire by pushing a burning car into a gully on July 24 in Upper Bidwell Park in Chico. He’s facing a felony charge of arson.
Stout pleaded not guilty to the charge in court today.
His attorney told the court that they’re still receiving information for his defense, and she believes there’s evidence to show he didn’t intentionally start the fire.
She requested a date of Sept. 19 for a preliminary hearing, which the judge granted.
Stout was apprehended by Cal Fire arson investigators on July 25, after photos of him were circulated on social media by a bystander who saw the incident.
Prosecutors and the defense team will reconvene then to assess the evidence.
