FILE: Crews battle the Valley Fire in Middleton, Calif., that broke out in mid-September of 2015. (CAL FIRE)
Updated 2 hrs 11 mins ago
Middleton, Calif. (KGO) -- After a comprehensive investigation, CAL FIRE has determined that the 2015 Valley Fire was caused by a faulty residential electrical connection.
Investigators were dispatched as part of the initial response to the fire and immediately began working to determine the origin and cause of the fire.
The ensuing investigation uncovered evidence that a residential electrical connection arced and ignited surrounding dry grass.
The Valley Fire burned 76,067 acres, took the lives of four civilians, seriously injured four firefighters, and destroyed 1,955 structures. At its peak, over 4,000 firefighters battled the blaze which cost nearly $57 million to extinguish. The fire became the 3rd most destructive wildfire in California's recorded history.
Some of the materials found in Middletown, Calif. that the Environmental Protection Agency deemed hazardous Wednesday, Sept. 30, 2015. (KGO-TV)
CAL FIRE will be submitting the Valley Fire Investigation Report to the Lake County District Attorney's Office for review.
To read the full report, click here.
Sad homecoming for many evacuees returning to find their homes in ashes in Middletown, Calif., on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2015. (KGO-TV)