The number of arson arrests in California has more than doubled since 2016. Last year, Cal Fire made 151 arson arrests – of those, 20 were in Butte County.
"So we either have a very active arson community, or really the answer is we have exceptionally good arson investigators in Butte County," said county District Attorney Mike Ramsey.
Arson investigations are a two-part process. Ramsey said the first is to investigate the burn scar to determine where and how a fire started, and whether it was caused by nature, an accident, or human intent. If it's suspected to be caused by arson, then investigators begin working to track down the suspect.
"[We've] been assisted by a number of what we call the license plate reader cameras that are distributed throughout the county," Ramsey said. "And just good old fashioned shoe leather out there, checking in the area, checking with people that have Ring cameras."
Investigators used the hundreds of cameras on the Chico State campus, as well as other surveillance cameras to track the suspect accused of starting the Bidwell Mansion fire back to his car.
"This particular car had certain brake lights that were out that made it unique, "Ramsey said. "[Then] it's a matter of following the breadcrumbs and seeing where this car shows up at various locations. And then just start tracking that car, then eventually that person."
The court proceedings for the Thompson, Park and Bidwell Mansion fires are all underway.
Ramsey said all three cases are evidence-intensive, and will take time to complete.
