Former college professor charged with sparking blaze near Dixie Fire amid alleged ‘arson-setting spree’

Jessica Schladebeck

A former criminology professor accused of carrying out an “arson-setting spree” has been charged in connection with a blaze sparked near the the Dixie Fire, which continues to rip across drought-ravaged regions in northern California.

Gary Maynard a former instructor at Santa Clara University and Sonoma State University, was charged over the weekend with willfully setting the Ranch Fire in Lassen County, according to to the federal complaint released on Tuesday by the US Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of California. Authorities launched an investigation into the 47-year-old teacher after the Cascade Fire broke out on Mount Shasta on July 20.

A group of bikers reported the flames around 9:45 a.m. the same day and then helped to put it after fire officials arrived on the scene. In the end, the blaze spread to about 100 to 200 acres in the Shasta-Trinity National Forest. When U.S. Forest Service investigator Brian responded to the scene, he found a man later identified as Maynard, underneath a black Kia Soul, which had become stuck in the mud, according to the Sacramento Bee.

Forty-seven-year-old Gary Stephen Maynard was arrested on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021. Maynard is accused of setting the Ranch Fire near the Mendocino National Forest.
Forty-seven-year-old Gary Stephen Maynard was arrested on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021. Maynard is accused of setting the Ranch Fire near the Mendocino National Forest.


Forty-seven-year-old Gary Stephen Maynard was arrested on Saturday, Aug. 7, 2021. Maynard is accused of setting the Ranch Fire near the Mendocino National Forest.

A second fire erupted on Mount Shasta the following day near the Everitt Memorial Highway, and investigators later found tire tracks similar to those made by the Kia.

Eventually, a judge signed off on an order to place a tracking device on the vehicle, which they used to follow Maynard’s movements across hundreds of miles, including to the area where the Ranch Fire and Conard Fire erupted Saturday in the Lassen National Forest, according to court papers.

He was arrested shortly after the blazes broke out, but has denied starting any of the fires. In requesting Maynard remain behind bars, prosecutors cited the smaller fires’ proximity to the Dixie Fire.

“The area in which Maynard chose to set his fires is near the ongoing Dixie fire, a fire which is still not contained despite the deployment and efforts of over 5,000 personnel,” Assistant U.S. Attorney Michael D. Anderson wrote in a filing.

An American flag is placed on a burned fire engine at a burned fire station in downtown Greenville, California on Aug. 7, 2021. The Dixie Fire has now ravaged 446,723 acres in four counties, up from the previous day's 434,813.
An American flag is placed on a burned fire engine at a burned fire station in downtown Greenville, California on Aug. 7, 2021. The Dixie Fire has now ravaged 446,723 acres in four counties, up from the previous day's 434,813.
Volunteer firefighter Jarret LePage waters down a hot spot on his neighbor's property during the Dixie fire in Greenville, Calif. on Aug. 7, 2021. LePage helped protect both his and his neighbor's houses in Greenville.
Volunteer firefighter Jarret LePage waters down a hot spot on his neighbor's property during the Dixie fire in Greenville, Calif. on Aug. 7, 2021. LePage helped protect both his and his neighbor's houses in Greenville.
California Governor Gavin Newsom (R) walks with Assistant Region Chief for Cal Fire Curtis Brown (R) in downtown Greenville, Calif. on Aug. 7, 2021.
California Governor Gavin Newsom (R) walks with Assistant Region Chief for Cal Fire Curtis Brown (R) in downtown Greenville, Calif. on Aug. 7, 2021.
Firefighters and medical personnel rush Don Crail (C), 72, into an ambulance for a medical issue in Greenville, Calif. on Aug. 7, 2021.
Firefighters and medical personnel rush Don Crail (C), 72, into an ambulance for a medical issue in Greenville, Calif. on Aug. 7, 2021.
California Governor Gavin Newsom surveys a burned United States Post Office in downtown Greenville, Calif. on Aug. 7, 2021. The Dixie Fire has now ravaged 446,723 acres in four counties, up from the previous day's 434,813. That area is larger than Los Angeles and has surpassed the sweep of the vast Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon.
California Governor Gavin Newsom surveys a burned United States Post Office in downtown Greenville, Calif. on Aug. 7, 2021. The Dixie Fire has now ravaged 446,723 acres in four counties, up from the previous day's 434,813. That area is larger than Los Angeles and has surpassed the sweep of the vast Bootleg Fire in southern Oregon.
Regina Rutledge sits in her truck packed with personal belongings near an evacuation center on Aug. 7, 2021, in Summerville, Calif. The Dixie Fire is reported to have burned 447,723 acres and to be only 21% contained.
Regina Rutledge sits in her truck packed with personal belongings near an evacuation center on Aug. 7, 2021, in Summerville, Calif. The Dixie Fire is reported to have burned 447,723 acres and to be only 21% contained.
A burned church rests in heavy smoke during the Dixie fire in Greenville, Calif. on Aug. 6, 2021.
A burned church rests in heavy smoke during the Dixie fire in Greenville, Calif. on Aug. 6, 2021.
A melted tail light is seen on a fire-damaged vehicle in Greenville, Calif. on Aug. 6, 2021.
A melted tail light is seen on a fire-damaged vehicle in Greenville, Calif. on Aug. 6, 2021.
A deer wanders in heavy smoke in front of a row of burned cars during the Dixie fire in Greenville, Calif. on Aug. 6, 2021.
A deer wanders in heavy smoke in front of a row of burned cars during the Dixie fire in Greenville, Calif. on Aug. 6, 2021.
Dozens of burned vehicles rest in heavy smoke during the Dixie fire in Greenville, Calif. on Aug. 6, 2021. A huge wildfire tearing through northern California became the third-largest in the state's history on Friday and looked set to continue growing. The Dixie Fire, which this week razed the Gold Rush town of Greenville, has torched more than 1,700 square kilometers (650 square miles) since it erupted in mid-July.
A gas station pump displays a melted handle on Aug. 6, 2021, in Greenville, Calif. The Dixie Fire burned through the community two days prior, destroying most of the town.
A gas station pump displays a melted handle on Aug. 6, 2021, in Greenville, Calif. The Dixie Fire burned through the community two days prior, destroying most of the town.
A burned USPS delivery vehicle sits behind the local post office on Aug. 6, 2021, in Greenville, Calif.
A burned USPS delivery vehicle sits behind the local post office on Aug. 6, 2021, in Greenville, Calif.
The Greenville Library is surrounded by rubble as the Dixie Fire continues to burn on Aug. 6, 2021, in Greenville, Calif. The Dixie Fire burned through the community two days prior, destroying most of the town.
The Greenville Library is surrounded by rubble as the Dixie Fire continues to burn on Aug. 6, 2021, in Greenville, Calif. The Dixie Fire burned through the community two days prior, destroying most of the town.
A burned residence rests in heavy smoke during the Dixie fire in Greenville, Calif. on Aug. 6, 2021.
A burned residence rests in heavy smoke during the Dixie fire in Greenville, Calif. on Aug. 6, 2021.
The Dixie Fire burns on a mountain ridge sending embers into the air on Aug. 5, 2021, in Greenville, Calif.
The Dixie Fire burns on a mountain ridge sending embers into the air on Aug. 5, 2021, in Greenville, Calif.
Flames consume vehicles in a wrecking yard as the Dixie Fire burns in Chester, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. The region is under red flag fire warnings due to dry, windy conditions.
Flames consume vehicles in a wrecking yard as the Dixie Fire burns in Chester, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. The region is under red flag fire warnings due to dry, windy conditions.
Battalion Chief Sergio Mora rubs his face as the Dixie Fire tears through the Greenville community of Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. The fire leveled multiple historic buildings and dozens of homes in central Greenville.
Battalion Chief Sergio Mora rubs his face as the Dixie Fire tears through the Greenville community of Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. The fire leveled multiple historic buildings and dozens of homes in central Greenville.
The Way Station bar burns as the Dixie Fire tears through the Greenville community of Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.
The Way Station bar burns as the Dixie Fire tears through the Greenville community of Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.
Flames consume a home on Highway 89 as the Dixie Fire tears through the Greenville community of Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.
Flames consume a home on Highway 89 as the Dixie Fire tears through the Greenville community of Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.
Operations Chief Jay Walter passes the historic Sierra Lodge as the Dixie Fire burns through the Greenville community of Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.
Operations Chief Jay Walter passes the historic Sierra Lodge as the Dixie Fire burns through the Greenville community of Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.
Firefighters engage in structure defense as the Dixie Fire burns in Chester, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. The region is under red flag fire warnings due to dry, windy conditions.
Firefighters engage in structure defense as the Dixie Fire burns in Chester, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. The region is under red flag fire warnings due to dry, windy conditions.
A home and trees burn as the Dixie Fire tears through the Greenville community of Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. The fire leveled multiple historic buildings and dozens of homes in central Greenville.
A home and trees burn as the Dixie Fire tears through the Greenville community of Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. The fire leveled multiple historic buildings and dozens of homes in central Greenville.
A utility pole burns as the Dixie Fire tears through the Greenville community of Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. The fire leveled multiple historic buildings and dozens of homes in central Greenville.
A utility pole burns as the Dixie Fire tears through the Greenville community of Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. The fire leveled multiple historic buildings and dozens of homes in central Greenville.
A bench stands outside a scorched building as the Dixie Fire tears through the Greenville community of Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.
A bench stands outside a scorched building as the Dixie Fire tears through the Greenville community of Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.
Inmate firefighters prep a home by moving combustible items as the Dixie Fire burns in Chester, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. The region is under red flag fire warnings due to dry, windy conditions.
Inmate firefighters prep a home by moving combustible items as the Dixie Fire burns in Chester, Calif., on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. The region is under red flag fire warnings due to dry, windy conditions.
Flames from the Dixie Fire spread through the Greenville community of Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.
Flames from the Dixie Fire spread through the Greenville community of Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021.
Battalion Chief Sergio Mora marks a road hazard as the Dixie Fire tears through the Greenville community of Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. The fire leveled multiple historic buildings and dozens of homes in central Greenville.
Battalion Chief Sergio Mora marks a road hazard as the Dixie Fire tears through the Greenville community of Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, Aug. 4, 2021. The fire leveled multiple historic buildings and dozens of homes in central Greenville.
Flames leap from trees as the Dixie Fire jumps Highway 89 north of Greenville in Plumas County, Calif. on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021.
Flames leap from trees as the Dixie Fire jumps Highway 89 north of Greenville in Plumas County, Calif. on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021.
Geoff Foss watches as the Dixie Fire approaches Chester, Calif. on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021. Officials issued evacuation orders for the town earlier in the day as dry and windy conditions led to increased fire activity.
Geoff Foss watches as the Dixie Fire approaches Chester, Calif. on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021. Officials issued evacuation orders for the town earlier in the day as dry and windy conditions led to increased fire activity.
Dan Santos sprays water while defending his girlfriend's Greenville home as the Dixie Fire burns nearby in Plumas County, Calif. on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021. Dry and windy conditions have led to increased fire activity as firefighters battle the blaze which ignited July 14.
Dan Santos sprays water while defending his girlfriend's Greenville home as the Dixie Fire burns nearby in Plumas County, Calif. on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021. Dry and windy conditions have led to increased fire activity as firefighters battle the blaze which ignited July 14.
Trees burn after firefighters conducted a firing operation to slow the spread of the Dixie Fire in Plumas County, Calif, on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021.
Trees burn after firefighters conducted a firing operation to slow the spread of the Dixie Fire in Plumas County, Calif, on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021.
Hunter McKee pets Rosy after helping evacuate the horse to the edge of Lake Almanor as the Dixie Fire approaches Chester, Calif. on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021. Officials issued evacuation orders for the town earlier in the day as dry and windy conditions led to increased fire activity.
Hunter McKee pets Rosy after helping evacuate the horse to the edge of Lake Almanor as the Dixie Fire approaches Chester, Calif. on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021. Officials issued evacuation orders for the town earlier in the day as dry and windy conditions led to increased fire activity.
Flames leap from trees as the Dixie Fire jumps Highway 89 north of Greenville in Plumas County, Calif. on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021. Dry and windy conditions have led to increased fire activity as firefighters battle the blaze which ignited July 14.
Flames leap from trees as the Dixie Fire jumps Highway 89 north of Greenville in Plumas County, Calif. on Tuesday, Aug. 3, 2021. Dry and windy conditions have led to increased fire activity as firefighters battle the blaze which ignited July 14.
Cal Fire Capts. Derek Leong, right, and Tristan Gale monitor a firing operation, where crews set a ground fire to stop a wildfire from spreading, while battling the Dixie Fire in Lassen National Forest, Calif., on Monday, July 26, 2021.
Cal Fire Capts. Derek Leong, right, and Tristan Gale monitor a firing operation, where crews set a ground fire to stop a wildfire from spreading, while battling the Dixie Fire in Lassen National Forest, Calif., on Monday, July 26, 2021.
The Dixie Fire burns in Lassen National Forest, Calif., near Jonesville on Monday, July 26, 2021.
The Dixie Fire burns in Lassen National Forest, Calif., near Jonesville on Monday, July 26, 2021.
A firefighter uses a drip torch to ignite vegetation while trying to stop the Dixie Fire from spreading in Lassen National Forest, Calif., on Monday, July 26, 2021.
A firefighter uses a drip torch to ignite vegetation while trying to stop the Dixie Fire from spreading in Lassen National Forest, Calif., on Monday, July 26, 2021.
Following the Dixie Fire, a scorched Jeep rests in the Indian Falls community of Plumas County, Calif., on Monday, July 26, 2021.
Following the Dixie Fire, a scorched Jeep rests in the Indian Falls community of Plumas County, Calif., on Monday, July 26, 2021.
Cows graze as smoke rises from the Dixie Fire burning in Lassen National Forest, Calif., near Jonesville, on Monday, July 26, 2021.
Cows graze as smoke rises from the Dixie Fire burning in Lassen National Forest, Calif., near Jonesville, on Monday, July 26, 2021.
A firefighter uses a drip torch to ignite vegetation while trying to stop the Dixie Fire from spreading in Lassen National Forest, Calif., on Monday, July 26, 2021.
A firefighter uses a drip torch to ignite vegetation while trying to stop the Dixie Fire from spreading in Lassen National Forest, Calif., on Monday, July 26, 2021.
Following the Dixie Fire, scorched vehicles rest in a driveway in the Indian Falls community of Plumas County, Calif., on Monday, July 26, 2021.
Following the Dixie Fire, scorched vehicles rest in a driveway in the Indian Falls community of Plumas County, Calif., on Monday, July 26, 2021.
Following the Dixie Fire, scorched cars are seen in a clearing in the Indian Falls community of Plumas County, Calif. on Sunday, July 25, 2021.
Following the Dixie Fire, scorched cars are seen in a clearing in the Indian Falls community of Plumas County, Calif. on Sunday, July 25, 2021.
Firefighter Chad Claunch passes a home while preparing for the Dixie Fire's approach, north of Quincy, in Plumas County, Calif. on Sunday, July 25, 2021.
Firefighter Chad Claunch passes a home while preparing for the Dixie Fire's approach, north of Quincy, in Plumas County, Calif. on Sunday, July 25, 2021.
Scorched mailboxes lie on the ground after the Dixie Fire passed through the Indian Falls community of Plumas County, Calif. on Sunday, July 25, 2021.
Scorched mailboxes lie on the ground after the Dixie Fire passed through the Indian Falls community of Plumas County, Calif. on Sunday, July 25, 2021.
As new evacuation orders take effect for the Dixie Fire, residents examine a fire map in Quincy, Calif. on Sunday, July 25, 2021.
As new evacuation orders take effect for the Dixie Fire, residents examine a fire map in Quincy, Calif. on Sunday, July 25, 2021.
Jesse Ackley and firefighter Sergio Zavala examine a water pump while preparing for the Dixie Fire's approach in Plumas County, Calif. on Sunday, July 25, 2021. Officials expanded evacuation orders earlier in the day.
Jesse Ackley and firefighter Sergio Zavala examine a water pump while preparing for the Dixie Fire's approach in Plumas County, Calif. on Sunday, July 25, 2021. Officials expanded evacuation orders earlier in the day.
Flames from the Dixie Fire consume a home in the Indian Falls community of Plumas County, Calif. on Saturday, July 24, 2021. The fire destroyed multiple residences as it tore through the area.
Flames from the Dixie Fire consume a home in the Indian Falls community of Plumas County, Calif. on Saturday, July 24, 2021. The fire destroyed multiple residences as it tore through the area.
Flames consume vehicles as the Dixie Fire tears through the Indian Falls community in Plumas County, Calif. on Saturday, July 24, 2021. The fire destroyed multiple residences in the area.
Flames consume vehicles as the Dixie Fire tears through the Indian Falls community in Plumas County, Calif. on Saturday, July 24, 2021. The fire destroyed multiple residences in the area.
William Deal wets down his 1977 Pontiac Trans Am as the Dixie Fire approaches Crescent Mills in Plumas County, Calif. on Saturday, July 24, 2021. Deal, who lives in a community under evacuation orders, planned to stay to defend his home from the fire.
William Deal wets down his 1977 Pontiac Trans Am as the Dixie Fire approaches Crescent Mills in Plumas County, Calif. on Saturday, July 24, 2021. Deal, who lives in a community under evacuation orders, planned to stay to defend his home from the fire.
Firefighters work to save a home as the Dixie Fire tears through the Indian Falls community in Plumas County, Calif. on Saturday, July 24, 2021. The home, along with neighboring residences, ended up burning.
Firefighters work to save a home as the Dixie Fire tears through the Indian Falls community in Plumas County, Calif. on Saturday, July 24, 2021. The home, along with neighboring residences, ended up burning.
Flames consume a home as the Dixie Fire tears through the Indian Falls community in Plumas County, Calif. on Saturday, July 24, 2021.
Flames consume a home as the Dixie Fire tears through the Indian Falls community in Plumas County, Calif. on Saturday, July 24, 2021.
Flames consume a home as the Dixie Fire tears through the Indian Falls community in Plumas County, Calif. on Saturday, July 24, 2021. The fire destroyed multiple residences in the area.
Flames consume a home as the Dixie Fire tears through the Indian Falls community in Plumas County, Calif. on Saturday, July 24, 2021. The fire destroyed multiple residences in the area.
Flames consume a home as the Dixie Fire tears through the Indian Falls community in Plumas County, Calif. on Saturday, July 24, 2021.
Flames consume a home as the Dixie Fire tears through the Indian Falls community in Plumas County, Calif. on Saturday, July 24, 2021.
A fire train crosses a bridge as the Dixie Fire burns in Plumas County, Calif. on Saturday, July 24, 2021. The train is capable of spraying retardant to coat tracks and surrounding land.
A fire train crosses a bridge as the Dixie Fire burns in Plumas County, Calif. on Saturday, July 24, 2021. The train is capable of spraying retardant to coat tracks and surrounding land.
Firefighters ride atop a fire train while battling the Dixie Fire in Plumas County, Calif. on Saturday, July 24, 2021. The train is capable of spraying retardant to coat tracks and surrounding land.
Firefighters ride atop a fire train while battling the Dixie Fire in Plumas County, Calif. on Saturday, July 24, 2021. The train is capable of spraying retardant to coat tracks and surrounding land.
Firefighter Jason Prado monitors flames as his crew burns vegetation to stop the Dixie Fire from spreading near Prattville in Plumas County, Calif. on Friday, July 23, 2021.
Firefighter Jason Prado monitors flames as his crew burns vegetation to stop the Dixie Fire from spreading near Prattville in Plumas County, Calif. on Friday, July 23, 2021.
Firefighters light a backfire to stop the Dixie Fire from spreading near Prattville in Plumas County, Calif. on Friday, July 23, 2021.
Firefighters light a backfire to stop the Dixie Fire from spreading near Prattville in Plumas County, Calif. on Friday, July 23, 2021.
Jerry Whipple wets down his roof as the Dixie Fire approaches the Greenville community in Plumas County, Calif. on Friday, July 23, 2021.
Jerry Whipple wets down his roof as the Dixie Fire approaches the Greenville community in Plumas County, Calif. on Friday, July 23, 2021.
Cal Fire Capt. Dom Kaska, right, monitors flames as his crew burns vegetation to stop the Dixie Fire from spreading near Prattville in Plumas County, Calif. on Friday, July 23, 2021.
Cal Fire Capt. Dom Kaska, right, monitors flames as his crew burns vegetation to stop the Dixie Fire from spreading near Prattville in Plumas County, Calif. on Friday, July 23, 2021.
Jessica Bell takes a video as the Dixie Fire burns along Highway 70 in Plumas National Forest, Calif. on Friday, July 16, 2021.
Jessica Bell takes a video as the Dixie Fire burns along Highway 70 in Plumas National Forest, Calif. on Friday, July 16, 2021.
Firefighters spray water from Union Pacific Railroad's fire train while battling the Dixie Fire in Plumas National Forest, Calif. on Friday, July 16, 2021.
Firefighters spray water from Union Pacific Railroad's fire train while battling the Dixie Fire in Plumas National Forest, Calif. on Friday, July 16, 2021.
Smoke rises from the Dixie Fire burning along Highway 70 in Plumas National Forest, Calif. on Friday, July 16, 2021.
Smoke rises from the Dixie Fire burning along Highway 70 in Plumas National Forest, Calif. on Friday, July 16, 2021.
An air tanker drops fire retardant to battle the Dixie Fire in the Feather River Canyon in Plumas County, Calif. on Wednesday, July 14, 2021. Residents were warned to be ready to evacuate as a growing wildfire bears down on two remote Northern California communities near a town largely destroyed by a deadly blaze three years ago. The fire that broke out Tuesday afternoon has chewed through more than 1.8 square miles of brush and timber near the Feather River Canyon area of Butte County.

The Dixie Fire, which has ripped though more than 1,000 structures across four counties in northern California, is the largest wildfire in the United States and the second-largest in California’s history.

As of Wednesday morning, the massive wildfire spread across more than 490,205 acres, which is nearly 766 square miles, and it was 27 percent contained, according to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection,

What caused the Dixie Fire still remains a mystery. Pacific Gas & Electric had previously reported to state regulators that its equipment may have been involved,

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