CalFire investigators determine cause of the Dixie Fire — a tree contacted PG&E power lines

According to CalFire investigators, last year’s Dixie Fire that burned 963,309 acres, destroyed 1,329 structures and damaged 95 additional structures in Lassen, Plumas, Butte, Shasta and Tehama counties, ignited July 13 when PG&E power lines came in contact with a tree west of Cresta Dam in the Feather River Canyon. Investigators made that determination after a “meticulous and through investigation” to discover “the origin and cause” of the Dixie Fire — the second largest wildfire in California history.

According to a statement from CalFire, the Dixie Fire investigative report has been forwarded to the Butte County District Attorney’s Office. All inquiries regarding the Dixie Fire investigative report will be referred to the Butte County District Attorney’s Office at 538-7411. 

Californians must remain vigilant and be prepared for wildfire. For more information on how to be prepared, visit readyforwildfire.org or fire.ca.gov.