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Ronnie Dean Stout II Convicted of Arson for Sparking California's Fourth-Largest Wildfire

Ronnie Dean Stout II was found guilty Friday of arson for sparking the 2024 Park Fire, one of the largest wildfires in California history. The blaze, which ignited on July 24, 2024, burned over 429,000 acres across Butte and Tehama counties, destroying more than 713 structures and forcing thousands of residents to evacuate. Prosecutors presented evidence that Ronnie Dean Stout II intentionally pushed a burning vehicle into a ravine near Bidwell Park in Chico. Witnesses testified that he was intoxicated and recklessly drove his car into a dirt berm, where it became stuck. After repeatedly revving the engine, the car caught fire and ignited the surrounding dry vegetation. While the defense argued that the fire was an accident, the prosecution successfully demonstrated that his actions were inherently dangerous and met the criminal standard for arson. Due to prior felony convictions, Ronnie Dean Stout II faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison under California's Three Strikes Law. The sentencing hearing is scheduled for October 9.

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