DA: Rim Fire Investigation

Tuolumne County, CA — The Tuolumne County District Attorney’s Office is offering few details about the investigation regarding the hunter that caused the devastating Rim Fire.

As reported earlier today, the U.S. Forest Service determined that a hunter allowed an illegal fire to escape, and it sparked what has become known as the Rim Fire. The Forest Service added, “No arrests have been made at this time and the hunter’s name is being withheld pending further investigation.”

At this point, the Forest Service is not willing to comment further.

Tuolumne County District Attorney Michael Knowles has been involved with the investigation and has released his own statement this morning:

“The Tuolumne County District Attorney’s Office has been and is involved in joint investigation of the “Rim Fire” with agents of the United States Forest Service. The devastating impact on our beloved forest and the communities within Tuolumne County demands, deserves, and has been receiving the strictest scrutiny of this incident at all levels. Cooperation is exemplary. The Tuolumne County District Attorney’s Office does not comment on active investigations. The District Attorney respects the public right and need to accurate information. Information will be available when the rights and safety of individuals as well as the integrity of the system process are not in jeopardy.”

We will pass along more information about this breaking news story as it comes into the News Center.