California fire officials say two sagging Pacific Gas and Electric Co. power lines made contact and ignited a blaze last year that killed four people and injured a firefighter.
The California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Tuesday strong winds caused the lines to touch, creating an electrical arc that sent molten material onto dry vegetation below.
The blaze in Yuba County that started on Oct. 8, 2017, scorched 15 square miles and destroyed 264 structures. Four people lost their lives.
After his home was destroyed in the Cascade Fire, Loma Rica resident Jim DeGraff rebuilt and made some fire safety changes to his property, cutting down dozens of old shade trees.
"I’d much rather not have shade than have the tree over my house anymore," DeGraff said.
It has been a year since the wind-driven fire caused hundreds to flee their Yuba County homes with no notice.