Officials: Knight Fire caused by humans

A two-month-long investigation has revealed the Knight Fire, which burned more than 6,100 acres on the Stanislaus National Forest this summer, was human caused.

U.S. Forest Service special agents and fire investigators, who conducted the investigation, aren’t saying specifically what caused the fire, but they do say it was started by “activities associated with outdoor recreation in a steep drainage below the Mount Knight area.”
  

“Specific evidence as to the origin of the fire is being withheld for investigative purposes, however, evidence found at the scene clearly shows the fire was the result of human activity,” states a news release.

The Knight Fire, which was contained in August, burned 10 miles north of Twain Harte in the Middle Fork of the Stanislaus River Canyon.

Firefighters battled the blaze for two weeks. At its height, it required more than 1,200 firefighters and support staff, plus air tankers, helicopters, bulldozers and other equipment. Total suppression costs were about $12 million.

Investigators are seeking help from anyone who has information regarding vehicles or people seen near the intersection of Forest Service roads 4N01Y and 4N01 on or before July 26.

Those with information are asked to call the forest’s investigations unit at 536-9829.