Cal Fire investigators arrest man suspected of starting 2022 Electra Fire in Amador County
Cal Fire investigators on Thursday in Yuba City arrested a man suspected of starting the Electra Fire, which burned over 4,400 acres and threatened more than 1,200 of structures two years ago in Amador and Calaveras counties.
The 39-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of arson, the Cal Fire Amador-El Dorado unit announced in a news release. Cal Fire officials did not provide any additional details or how they believe the suspect started the Electra Fire.
The man arrested faces charges of arson of forest land and causing fire of forest land, Amador County Jail records show. He remained in custody Friday morning and was being held without bail.
The Electra Fire started July 4, 2022, prompting widespread evacuation orders and temporarily trapping around 100 people in a PG&E powerhouse. The wildfire had died down two days later, with officials lifting evacuation orders.
The fire burned in a canyon next to the North Fork of the Mokelumne River. Firefighters were able to stop the flames from spreading to populated areas outside of the canyon.
Around 8,000 households in Amador and Calaveras counties were without power for some time as lines have been de-energized around the blaze, according to PG&E.
Cal Fire said the Electra Fire was ignited in Amador County and spread to Calaveras County, burning a total of 4,470 acres. The wildfire threatened 1,2117 structures in the first few days and continued to burn for nearly a month, before firefighters fully contained the blaze on July 28, 2022. No structures were destroyed or damaged by the blaze, according to Cal Fire.
