Pollock Pines, CA -
(FOX 11 / AP) Authorities say they have arrested a man on suspicion of arson in a fast-growing California wildfire that has driven nearly 2,800 people from their homes.
The arrest of 37-year-old Wayne Allen Huntsman was announced Thursday.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1mfhIc8NCo
Meanwhile, farther north in the town of Weed, teams of firefighters went house-to-house Wednesday to survey damage by a wildfire that officials estimated had destroyed 110 homes and damaged another 90. The damage assessment was expected to continue Thursday.
Four firefighters lost their homes. Two churches, a community center and the library also burned to the ground, while an elementary school and the city's last wood-products mill were damaged by flames that were pushed by 40-mph winds.
Insurance companies worked to find places to live for the people who lost their homes.
The cause of the blaze that rapidly swept across town was under investigation. It was 65 percent contained after burning 375 acres.
Charred neighborhoods remained off-limits, but people were finding ways in.
The Rev. Bill Hofer, pastor of Weed Berean Church, said power was back on in his home, which was still standing on the edge of the devastation zone, and he planned to return - despite the evacuation order - to deter vandalism.
"The more people home with the lights on, the better," he said.
http://www.myfoxla.com/story/26567300/man-arrested-in-111-square-mile-northern-california-fire
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