Pubdate: Thu, 05 Sep 2013
Source: Los Angeles Times (CA)
Copyright: 2013 Los Angeles Times
Contact:  http://www.latimes.com/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/248
Authors: Ari Bloomekatz and Joseph Serna

POT FARM PROBABLY NOT CAUSE OF RIM FIRE

A U.S. Forest Service official said Wednesday that the massive Rim 
fire burning into Yosemite National Park was probably not caused by 
an illegal marijuana farm, despite earlier comments made by a local fire chief.

"That was only one of many rumors," said Jerry Snyder of the U.S. 
Forest Service.

Full containment of the 370-square-mile Rim fire isn't expected for 
two weeks and investigators aren't sure what started it. The rumor 
that marijuana growers may have been involved began when Twain Harte 
Fire and Rescue Chief Todd McNeal told a community meeting that the 
blaze was definitely human-caused.

On Aug. 23, McNeal said the fire started in a section of the 
Stanislaus National Forest inaccessible by foot or vehicle and it was 
"highly suspected" that an illegal "marijuana-grow type of thing" had 
sparked the blaze.

But Snyder said investigators have not found evidence that marijuana 
was grown in the area where the fire probably started Aug. 17.

There would also have been no access for illegal growers, Snyder 
said, and there was no probable water source evident.

"Most of these gardens ... they need to be able to get in there ... 
and there are no roads in this area," he said. "You need a water 
source.... This fire started considerably above the river."

The fire, 80% contained, has destroyed 111 buildings, including 11 
residences, and has cost $72 million to fight.
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