Ronnie Dean Stout II, 44, has been convicted of arson for sparking the 2024 Park Fire, one of the largest wildfires in California history. He was found guilty on multiple felony counts, including aggravated arson, after prosecutors presented evidence that he intentionally pushed a burning vehicle into a ravine near Bidwell Park in Chico on July 24, 2024. The Park Fire ultimately burned more than 429,000 acres across Butte, Tehama, Plumas and Shasta counties, making it the fourth-largest wildfire in California history.
The blaze destroyed more than 713 structures, including 427 homes, and forced thousands of residents to evacuate as firefighters battled the wildfire for nearly two months before it was fully contained. During the three-day trial, prosecutors presented surveillance video and witness testimony that showed Stout pushing a burning vehicle down an embankment moments before flames erupted in Bidwell Park, where Cal Fire investigators determined the fire originated. Stout was accused of spending the day of the incident drunkenly harassing people at a popular swimming area before recklessly driving his 2007 Toyota Yaris through Upper Bidwell Park.
Stout faces a potential sentence of 25 years to life in state prison, with his sentencing set for October 9. His defense attorneys argued that he never intended to ignite a wildfire and that prosecutors failed to prove he acted with the criminal intent required for an aggravated arson conviction. However, Butte County Superior Court Judge Kristen Lucena alone decided the case, deliberating for just 15 minutes after closing arguments before returning a guilty verdict.
Stout has a lengthy criminal history spanning more than two decades, including convictions for molesting a child under 14 and robbery and inflicting great bodily injury. He was also arrested in 2020 on suspicion of driving under the influence near Upper Bidwell Park.
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