With almost 2,000 structures destroyed in the fire, Cal Fire says the Valley Fire was the third most destructive wildfire in California’s recorded history.
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The third most destructive wildfire in California’s recorded history, which killed four people and destroyed more than 1,300 homes and buildings, was started by a spark from an improperly wired hot tub, state fire officials said on Wednesday. In addition, four firefighters were hurt after deploying fire shelters.
The fire was ignited by faulty wiring on a hot tub.
The wiring had heated to 1,082C, melted and set alight nearby brush at a home in the town of Cobb.
Faulty outdoor wiring for a hot tub at a home outside Cobb touched off the massive Valley fire a year ago that burned almost 120 square miles in southern Lake County, killing four residents and destroying 1,280 homes, Cal Fire investigators have determined.
The San Francisco Chronicle reports that many are still homeless since the fire, renting or relying on family or friends for housing until they can raise enough money to rebuild.
Damage estimates are said to exceed $1.5 billion and is one of the costliest fires in the state’s history.
The fire was responsible for the deaths of four people who lived in the communities of Middletown, Hidden Valley and others.
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Nearly a year later, several residents in Lake County still do not have permanent homes.
