In July 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom was forced to declare a state of emergency near Yosemite national park.
A vicious wildfire started quickly grew to cover 15,600 acres which prompted former vice-president Al Gore to issue a warning about climate change.
US climate envoy, John Kerry said that Biden was considering issuing a climate emergency via executive orders in light of the fire.
The fire grew quickly due to a recent drought that the Guardian said was “a terrible forewarning of the intensifying effects of the climate crisis.”
It has been alleged that the fire was started intentionally and Edward Fredrick Wackerman, 71, has been arrested.
From the New York Post:
Edward Fredrick Wackerman of Mariposa, Calif., was busted Friday on suspicion of arson for allegedly igniting the Oak Fire, which destroyed 127 homes, caused thousands of people to evacuate and ravaged nearly 20,000 acres of vegetation in July 2022.
The suspect is facing charges of suspicion of aggravated arson, arson that causes great bodily injury and arson causing damage or destruction of inhabited structures, the California Department of Forestry said.
It isn’t clear how Wackerman may have started the blaze or what finally led to his arrest. Mariposa County District Attorney Walter Wall said a Tuesday press conference on the case is planned.
“Ed Wackerman is facing several felony charges, including aggravated arson. These charges carry serious legal consequences and the District Attorney is committed to ensuring a fair trial and upholding justice,” Wall said. “Currently, the investigation is under review by our office. Due to the sensitive nature of the case and the rights of the defendant, we cannot disclose anything other than what has been released in the Cal Fire press release.”
Another funny thing is that the alleged California firebug has donated $1,775 to Democratic candidates and committees since 2020. Records show have uncovered that he gave, a $1,000 donation to Tim Ryan’s failed U.S. Senate campaign in 2022 and $400 to the Lincoln Project, a disgraced liberal super PAC.
