Forest Service: Huge wildfire near Yosemite began when hunter allowed illegal fire to escape

YOSEMITE NATIONAL PARK, Calif. – The U.S. Forest Service says a gigantic wildfire near Yosemite National Park began when a hunter allowed an illegal fire to escape.

The Forest Service said Thursday there is no indication the hunter was involved with illegal marijuana cultivation, which a local fire chief had speculated as the possible cause of blaze.

No arrests have been made, and the hunter's name is being withheld pending further investigation.

The Rim Fire began on Aug. 17 and threatened thousands of homes. It is now 80 percent contained.