The Rocky fire burned about 108 square miles in Lake, Yolo and Colusa counties, destroying 43 homes and 53 outbuildings before it was contained. It began near where firefighters are now battling an unrelated fire that investigators say was caused by a serial arsonist. But officials say he is not a suspect in any of last year’s three big fires. Southern California's climate isn't as favorable for growing marijuana at the lower elevations overseen by CalFire, Upton noted. Officials could not say whether the nine recent fires are an increase.

Source: Los Angeles Times August 18, 2016 00:33 UTC