Man arrested for arson blaze that decimated California town

A California man was arrested today on arson charges for allegedly sparking the wildfire that destroyed more than 175 homes, business and other structures in a Northern California town, authorities said.

Lake County Sheriff Brian Martin said Damin Anthony Pashilk, 40, of Clearlake was arrested today on 17 counts of arson and is in jail. He is suspected in numerous fires in Lake County over the past year.

Cal Fire Director Ken Pimlott said the blaze in the town of Lower Lake has caused over $10 million in damages and left dozens of families homeless.

"The residents of Lake County have experienced senseless loss and endured significant hardship over the past year," Pimlott said.

"Mr Pashilk committed a horrific crime and we will seek prosecution to the fullest extent of the law. My thoughts continue to be with the people of Lake County during this difficult time."

The wind-whipped had spread to more than six square miles in the Lower Lake area about 90 miles north of San Francisco.

It was just 5% contained, though late in the day fire officials said no other structures were under direct threat.

Weather conditions bedeviled firefighters today and the forecast called for temperatures to reach the upper 90s in coming days, with no rain in sight.

A heat wave and gusty winds also put Southern California on high fire alert. Underlying it all is a five-year drought that has sapped vegetation of moisture.

For the first time in several generations, wildfire had stalked Lower Lake last year during a devastating period from the end of July through September.

Three major blazes blackened towns and mountainous wildland within a few miles to the east and south of town.

The new reality roared into Lower Lake yesterday, when wind-driven flames fed by pines in the mountains and oaks that cluster on the rolling hills close to town wiped out whole blocks, authorities said.

Thousands of people fled the area, some after ensuring their goats and chickens were safe.