LOS ANGELES (AP) — Officials say a Northern California wildfire that killed four people and destroyed more than 200 buildings last year was sparked when tree branches came into contact with Pacific Gas & Electric power lines.
Investigators with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection seized equipment belonging to PG&E after the Zogg Fire tore through rural communities in Shasta and Tehama counties.
Cal Fire said Monday that the investigation has determined that the blaze was caused by a pine tree contacting electrical distribution lines owned and operated by the utility.
PG&E officials didn’t immediately respond to a request for comment.
