Man Faces 21 Years in Prison for Igniting Oroville’s Thompson Fire with Firework

A 26-year-old man from Northern California has been charged with arson for allegedly starting the Thompson Fire in July, which scorched over 3,700 acres and destroyed 13 homes, according to Cal Fire and the Butte County District Attorney’s Office.

Spencer Grant Anderson of Oroville faces charges of arson to an inhabited structure and arson of forest land. Additionally, he faces a special allegation for the destruction of multiple structures and a prior strike conviction from a 2019 domestic violence incident.

If convicted on all counts, Anderson could face over 21 years in state prison, according to Butte County District Attorney Michael Ramsey.

The Thompson Fire, which ignited on July 2 near Cherokee Road in Oroville, burned 3,789 acres and led to the evacuation of approximately 28,000 residents. Cal Fire investigators determined the blaze was caused by a deliberate human act, with evidence suggesting Anderson threw a flaming object, likely a firework, from his car window.

Authorities arrested Anderson in Chico last Thursday after finding evidence at his home that linked him to the fire. He is currently being held in Butte County Jail without bail and is scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday.