Posted on 12/08/2021 6:18:07 PM PST by BenLurkin
A father and son were arrested Wednesday on suspicion of starting a massive California wildfire that destroyed many homes and forced tens of thousands of people to flee Lake Tahoe communities earlier this year, authorities said.
Mark Reichel, the attorney for both men, said they were arrested Wednesday afternoon and that reckless arson means starting a blaze by accident but “to such a degree that it was considered reckless.”
Authorities allege they caused homes to burn and people to be seriously injured in the fire that began in August. The Caldor fire scorched more than 346 square miles (897 square kilometers) from east of Sacramento to the Nevada border, threatening ski resorts and other prominent recreational areas.
The fire destroyed more than 1,000 homes and other buildings while crossing a mostly remote forested area of seasonal cabins.
The fire crossed through three northern counties, destroyed much of the small community of Grizzly Flats and forced tens of thousands of people to evacuate the resort town of South Lake Tahoe before it was contained in October. Five people were injured.
Reichel, the men’s lawyer, said: “They are absolutely 100% innocent.”
Reichel said he did not know details of the accusation, such as how authorities allege the fire was set.
The son called 911 to report seeing flames, Reichel said.
The son made several 911 calls because the calls kept dropping in the rugged area, and both men also warned campers about the fire, Reichel said.
(Excerpt) Read more at ktla.com ...
didn’t see their names in the article posted. they are:
VIDEO: NO IMAGES OF ACCUSED: 8 Dec: CBS Local: Father And Son Accused Of Starting Caldor Fire
On Wednesday, the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office announced that father and son David Scott Smith, 66, and Travis Shane Smith, 32, are being charged with reckless arson in connection with the fire, which burned more than 200,000 acres in El Dorado and Amador Counties...
https://sacramento.cbslocal.com/video/6170005-father-and-son-accused-of-starting-caldor-fire/
8 Dec: Mercury News: Father-son duo arrested on suspicion of starting Caldor Fire
Men are accused of “reckless arson”
by Jason Green
David Scott Smith, 66, and Travis Shane Smith, 32, were arrested on Ramey warrants, the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office said in a news release Wednesday afternoon. A Ramey warrant is a type of warrant that is issued before criminal charges are filed.
The two men are accused of “reckless arson,” prosecutors said...
Reichel told the Sacramento Bee that Travis Smith, an electrician, was with his father near the site of the fire’s origin east of Omo Ranch and south of Grizzly Flats, saw the flames and called 911.
“There is no reason that this person would set a fire unless it was an accident and not intended,” Reichel told the newspaper. “Obviously, he clearly states that he did not set the fire. He only called it in.”...
https://www.mercurynews.com/2021/12/08/father-son-duo-arrested-on-suspicion-of-starting-caldor-fire/
photos of accused:
8 Dec: Mountain Democrat: Somerset man and son accused of sparking Caldor Fire
https://www.mtdemocrat.com/news/father-and-son-accused-of-sparking-caldor-fire/attachment/screen-shot-2021-12-08-at-6-16-48-pm/
But, but…wildfires were caused by “globaloney warming” and “climate change” … until the arsonists are smoked out from their hiding places.
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