Forest Service: Huge wildfire near Yosemite began when hunter allowed illegal fire to escape
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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.
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The Rim Fire began on Aug. 17 and threatened thousands of homes. It is now 80 percent contained.