SAN FRANCISCO — As officials ask for the public’s help in finding the people who started an illegal campfire that grew into a massive wildfire north of Big Sur, authorities are considering what penalties the campers could face once they are found.
The blaze has charred more than 71 square miles, destroyed 57 homes, and killed a 35-year-old bulldozer operator when the heavy equipment rolled over.
Monterey County Sheriff’s spokesman Commander John Thornburg said those responsible could face criminal charges in the death of Robert Reagan of Fresno County.
‘‘Could that death potentially come back on [those responsible]?’’ Thornburg said. ‘‘Maybe.’’
Whoever started the illegal campfire could also face civil penalties for the cost related to the firefighting. More than 5,500 crews are working the fire that’s threatening 2,000 structures and was only 25 percent contained Wednesday.
‘‘It’s one thing if you burn up a tree, it’s another thing if you burn up the forest,’’ Thornburg said.
Fire investigators determined an unattended campfire started the blaze on July 22 in Garapata Park.
California State Parks spokesman Dennis Weber said Garapata Park is for day use only and campfires are strictly prohibited.
‘‘There are two trailheads and both have ample signage that there is no camping and no campfires allowed,’’ Weber said.
In 2013, Keith Matthew Emerald was charged with starting the Rim Fire. Prosecutors said the deer hunter lost control of an illegal campfire, which burned 400 square miles in Stanislaus National Forest and parts of Yosemite National Park.
The fire, one of the largest in recorded state history, destroyed 11 homes and cost more than $125 million to fight. Emerald pleaded not guilty and prosecutors later dropped the case after two key witnesses died.
California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection spokesman Erik Scott said the cause of the current fire near Big Sur was determined after investigators spent more than 150 hours combing through debris. No arrests have been made.
Associated Press
