Authorities Lack Evidence to Arrest `Person of Interest' in Tahoe wildfire
Sign up today for breaking news and weather text alerts!
Save Email Print
Updated: 6:17 AM Jun 22, 2009
Authorities Lack Evidence to Arrest `Person of Interest' in Tahoe wildfire
Investigators say they lack evidence to arrest a "person of interest" in a 2007 catastrophic wildfire on Lake Tahoe's south shore, but the case remains a high priority.
Posted: 1:59 PM Jun 20, 2009
Reporter: Associated Press
Email Address: news@kolov.com
Font Size:

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. (AP) - Investigators say they lack evidence to arrest a "person of interest" in a 2007 catastrophic wildfire on Lake Tahoe's south shore, but the case remains a high priority.

Wednesday marks the two-year anniversary of the blaze that destroyed 254 homes, caused $140 million in property damage and
scorched 3,100 acres.

Bill Dillard, an investigator with the El Dorado County (Calif.) district attorney's office, says he continues to follow up leads in the case.

Investigators think the Angora fire was caused by sparking embers from a campfire at a popular party spot near South Lake Tahoe, Calif.

But Dillard says they don't have probable cause to make an arrest yet because of a lack of evidence linking the person to the scene.

He says probable cause is hard to establish in wildfires because
evidence is destroyed and witnesses are scarce.

The district attorney's office and U.S. Forest Service have spent hundreds of hours and sorted through hundreds of tips concerning who started the campfire near Seneca Pond.

High winds fanned flames and quickly moved the fire toward homes.

Copyright 2009 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

KOLO 8 News Now on Facebook
KOLO Features
Northern Nevada Jobs
Find great local jobs here!
Coupons, Click Here!
Find great deals here!
Stay-Cations
Find a Stay-Cation close to home!
HDTV Information
Everything you need to know about the Digital TV Transition.
KOLO Online Poll
Which games would you like to see sports cover this week? Choose one from the Boys and one from the Girls. (Select 2)

BOYS: Reno at North Valleys
BOYS: Sp. Springs at McQueen
BOYS: Douglas at Carson
GIRLS: Reno at North Valleys
GIRLS: Manogue at Galena
GIRLS: Douglas at Carson


Is your game not one of the choices? Enter it here
Northern Nevada Medical Center
KOLO AP Online Videos
Stock Quotes
QUOTES
    Symbol Lookup