Pot Farmer Named Smoke Accused of Starting California Wildfire
Twenty-seven-year-old Freddie Alexander Smoke III (really!) is accused of having started the wildfire that has burned nearly six miles of land in Northern California. According to the California Department of Fire and Forestry Protection, exhaust from the truck Smoke was driving around an illegal marijuana farm ignited a patch of dry grass.
The fire has been burning since Friday and still hasn't been completely contained by firefighters. From the Associated Press:
The so-called Bully fire has since grown to 3,700 acres and destroyed six structures, CalFire officials said. The blaze, which is burning in steep terrain, was just 10 percent contained Sunday morning.
More than 1,000 firefighters, aided by aircraft, are battling the blaze in hot, dry conditions.
The wildfire had prompted evacuations and road closures, but CalFire said all residents have been allowed to return home and all roads have been open to them.
According to Reuters, the fire has already caused $1 million in damage. Smoke was arrested by police on recklessly starting a fire and illegal marijuana cultivation charges, both felonies. Police have seized 180-odd marijuana plants from the site Smoke was working at.
[Image via Shasta County Sheriff's Dept.]