CAL FIRE Law Enforcement Makes Felony Arrest
10.01.2026 "News Release" - CAL FIRE/Butte County
Butte County - On September 28, 2026, CAL FIRE Law Enforcement Officers from the Butte Fire Prevention Bureau, with assistance from Oroville Police Department and Butte County Sheriff's Office, responded to a vegetation fire in the 6500 block of Railroad Avenue near the community of Palermo. The fire burned approximately four acres and was later determined to have originated within the Oroville city limits.
During the investigation , CAL FIRE Officers contacted and detained 58 year old Lucky Larry Lawver Jr. Lawver admitted to causing the fire while using a battery powered grinder in an area of waist high, dry grass. Lawver did not have any water, hand tools, or fire extinguishers available, nor had he taken steps to reduce the fire hazard before beginning the grinding operation.
Lawver was arrested for violating California Penal Code Section 452(c) - recklessly causing a fire to forestland. He was transported and booked into the Butte County Jail on the single felony count.
CAL FIRE would like to remind the public that the use of power tools in or near dry vegetation can easily ignite wildfires, especially during periods of elevated fire danger. Residents are urged to follow safe equipment use practices and ensure they have proper clearance and suppression tools on hand.
If anyone has information regarding arson activity in Butte County, please contact our Law Enforcement Bureau at (530) 538-7888
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