Child molester convicted for setting one of California’s largest wildfires

Nearly two years after one of California’s most devastating wildfires, the man responsible was found guilty. The blaze, which consumed over 400,000 acres, led to the conviction of Ronnie Stout on Friday.

Ronnie Stout, a resident of Chico, was convicted on charges of malicious arson linked to the 2024 Park Fire, ranking as the fourth-largest in the state’s history.

The conviction also included enhancements for the destruction of multiple structures and marked his third strike under California’s Three Strikes Law.

Stout’s prior strikes include a child molestation conviction in Butte County in 2001 and a theft conviction in Kern County in 2002.

At 44, Stout faces a sentence ranging from 25 years to life in state prison, with sentencing scheduled for October 9.

Authorities reported that in July 2024, Stout, a registered sex offender, pushed a burning vehicle into a park gully. The car, engulfed in flames, tumbled 60 feet down an embankment, igniting surrounding areas and leading to mass evacuations in Butte and Tehama counties.

After the fire began, Stout was observed calmly leaving the scene, mingling with other park visitors escaping the rapidly spreading blaze, according to officials.

During the trial, witnesses testified that Stout, who was intoxicated, had gotten his car stuck on the roadside. He claimed panic set in when the car caught fire, causing him to flee the location.

An investigator revealed that Stout did not immediately report the fire to emergency services. Instead, he contacted the Butte County Sheriff’s Office on a non-emergency line hours later.

Trial records also suggested that Stout’s personal relationship issues might be related to the incident.

Text messages presented in court showed Stout engaged in a heated argument with his girlfriend shortly before the fire. She informed him that their relationship was over and mentioned returning her dress and ring.

State data indicated that the Park Fire destroyed 713 structures and damaged 57 others. While no fatalities occurred, three firefighters suffered heat-related injuries.

Recently, Butte County officials marked the fire’s anniversary, emphasizing the need for enhanced disaster preparedness.

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