The deadly Ranch Fire that burned through Colusa, Glenn, Lake and Mendocino counties last July, the largest wildfire in California history, was ignited by sparks from a workman’s hammer, Cal Fire officials announced Thursday.
The fire, which erupted on July 27, 2018, burned a total of 410,203 acres, destroyed 280 structures and resulted in one firefighter’s death and other three firefighters being injured.
Cal Fire investigators were immediately dispatched to the fire and began working to determine the origin and cause of the blaze. After a meticulous and thorough investigation, it has been determined that the blaze was caused by a spark or hot metal fragment from a hammer driving a 24-inch metal concrete stake into the ground.