An investigation by California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection (CalFIRE) has determined that Pacific Gas and Electric Co. (PG&E) is responsible for last July’s Dixie wildfire in Northern California.

After “a meticulous and thorough investigation,” CalFIRE determined the Dixie Fire was caused by “a tree contacting electrical distribution lines” owned and operated by PG&E west of Cresta Dam.

The investigative report has been forwarded to the Butte County District Attorney’s Office.

In July, PG&E told California regulators that a blown fuse on its Bucks Creek 1101 12-kV overhead distribution circuit could have been responsible for the ignition. A PG&E field employee at the initial scene saw the fire grow from one or two acres to about 15 acres. The fire...