People are responsible for about 95% of California's wildfires.

In 2023 alone, humans caused more than 7,000 fires in California.

Add to that list, the Park Fire.

A fierce blaze raging across 600 square miles in four Sacramento Valley counties that is already the fifth largest in California history.

Butte County authorities arrested a 42-year-old Chico man suspected of pushing a burning vehicle into a ravine, sparking the fire.

Arsonists intentionally setting fires are not common, however, accounting for only about 10% of the state's fires depending on the year.

Thousands of human-caused fires fall into the unofficial category of people doing something they think is safe, or absent any safety measures.

A few examples.

Faulty equipment wiring, driving cars with flat tires, setting off smoke bombs at gender reveal parties, backyard fireworks, and backcountry campers setting fire to used toilet paper.

California firefighters respond to countless brush fires.

The flammability of grasses is so well-known, that even those in the fire service are on guard not to spark fires when they move or use their own equipment.

Another major human cause is related to power utilities rather than reckless individuals.

California's most deadly fire, the 2018 Camp Fire, which killed 85 people, was started by aging transmission lines and whipped by high winds.

Natural causes increasingly play a significant role, especially lightning, which could become an even bigger threat with climate change.

Andy Van Sciver, public information officer for the Ventura County Fire Department, said, "We rely on our education in spreading the word.

At the end of the day, some people are going to get it and some are not."

For CalMatters, I'm Julie Cart.