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Investigators say Pacific Gas & Electric is responsible for the second largest wildfire in California history: The Dixie Fire.
The official report claims that electrical lines sparked the blaze after coming in contact with a tree, according to results of an investigation completed by Cal Fire yesterday. Cal Fire officials also report that their findings have been forwarded to the district attorney’s office in Butte County, where the fire began PG&E has already acknowledged their equipment could be involved in sparking the fire, and the company could be liable for up to $1.15 billion in related costs. “Regardless of today’s finding, we will continue to be tenacious in our efforts to stop fire ignitions from our equipment and to ensure that everyone and everything is always safe,” PG&E waid in a statement.
The Dixie Fire began last summer on July 13 and grew to consume nearly a million acres across five counties and blackened swaths of scenic forest. It destroyed more than 1,300 structures, including the small town of Greenville, and left one dead. Butte County officials have yet to comment.