Northern California man identified as arson suspect who started Thompson Fire, Cal Fire says

(FOX40.COM) — A 26-year-old man from Northern California was arrested on Thursday after he was identified as the arson suspect responsible for starting one of California’s largest fires in 2024.

The Thompson Fire, which burned nearly 4,000 acres in eastern Oroville, destroyed 13 single-family homes, and forced thousands of residents to evacuate for several days, was started by Spencer Grant Anderson of Oroville, Cal Fire said.

Anderson was booked into Butte County Jail on charges of arson to wildland and structures with an enhancement for destruction to five or more inhabited structures. Cal Fire adds that he is being held without bail until his arraignment on Monday, Aug. 26 at 3 p.m.

On July 2, the Thompson Fire began near Cherokee Road in Oroville. “Cal Fire suppression resources immediately responded and began battling the blaze under Red Flag weather conditions,” Cal Fire recounted.

“Within the first 24 hours, Cal Fire officers determined the ignition of the fire was due to an act of arson and identified a suspect,” Cal Fire said, adding that officers began monitoring the suspect while they worked to finalize the details of their case.

After conducting the investigation over 50 days with the help of the Butte County District Attorney’s Office, Cal Fire officers arrested Anderson in Chico without incident.

A joint press conference with Cal Fire and the Butte County District Attorney’s Office is scheduled for Monday, Aug. 26 at 1:30 p.m.

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