OROVILLE, Calif. -- Ronnie Dean Stout II, the suspect in the Park Fire arson case, has a new trial date. The trial, initially scheduled for November 3, has been postponed to March 30, 2026.
On October 23, the prosecution and the defense representing Stout reached an agreement to vacate the original trial date in order to synchronize with the schedules of the witnesses. The prosecution asserts that it has identified several witnesses, including law enforcement officials and civilian participants, who will provide accounts of the incident.
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Butte County District Attorney Mike Ramsey states they have gathered witnesses who were at Bidwell Park that day and observed Stout driving recklessly before the fire ignited. Additionally, he says one witness in particular saw the moment the fire ignited.
"A witness that's been revealed before says that she saw him when underneath the car got in flames because of revving the engine in the dry grass, rocks, and dirt. Then he came out of the car and pushed the flaming car down into the gully that then started the Park Fire," Ramsey explained.
Stout is accused of pushing a vehicle down a gully in Chico's Bidwell Park in July 2024, which ultimately ignited a blaze that burned 430,000 acres. He is facing a prison sentence of 25 years to life due to having two prior felony strikes. If convicted in this case, it would count as his third strike.
The fire became the fourth-largest in California's history, while Stout claims the fire was an accident.
In April, Stout waived his right to a jury trial. This means that the case will be decided solely by a judge instead of a jury composed of 12 Butte County residents.