DA: Arson suspect reportedly ‘heavily intoxicated’ before Park Fire ignition

OROVILLE — The man accused of starting the Park Fire was reportedly seen leaving Bear Hole in Chico’s upper Bidwell Park “highly intoxicated” before high-centering his car near Alligator Hole on July 24, setting off the chain of events that led to the fire.

Those details were revealed by Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey during a press conference following arraignment in Butte County Superior Court of Ronnie Dean Stout II, 42, of Chico.

Stout did not enter a plea during the hearing before Judge Kristen Lucena.