Faulty Residential Electrical Connection Sparks Massive Blaze

Valley Fire killed four, burned 76,067 acres

Sacramento, Calif. – After a comprehensive investigation, CAL FIRE has determined that the 2015 Valley Fire was caused by a faulty residential electrical connection.

Investigators were dispatched as part of the initial response to the fire and immediately began working to determine the origin and cause of the fire.  The ensuing investigation uncovered evidence that a residential electrical connection arced and ignited surrounding dry grass.

The Valley Fire burned 76,067 acres, took the lives of four civilians, seriously injured four firefighters, and destroyed 1,955 structures. At its peak, over 4,000 firefighters battled the blaze which cost nearly $57 million to extinguish. The fire became the 3rd most destructive wildfire in California’s recorded history.

CAL FIRE will be submitting the Valley Fire Investigation Report to the Lake County District Attorney’s Office for review.