The man lied, initially claiming a rockslide caused the fire, then claiming pot growers started it, but he eventually admitted to starting it with his illegal campfire and has now been named and criminally charged:

http://www.latimes.com/local/lanow/la-me-ln-rim-fire-charges-20140807-story.html

http://www.sacbee.com/2014/08/07/6613225/man-charged-with-starting-massive.html?sp=/99/749/

http://www.mercurynews.com/science/ci_26294769/yosemite-fire-feds-charge-hunter-starting-massive-2013

Fire was started by a rockslide? And he was there to witness it? Nice!!!

Lesson learned... when federal agents start talking to you after you start a fire... don't say anything!

(applies to questions about bear cans too)

: - )

I saw that yesterday, that he is now charged with the fire. Sad thing is that it will not bring the forest back. Plus the govt will spend another big chunk of money to try, convict and house him for a few years, throwing away even more money in addition to the millions spent on the fire. And we the taxpayers get to pay for it all. Lose-lose situation.

His punishment should be spending the rest of his life planting trees, at least some good would come out of it.

See, it's just that simple. Now, I believe the Rim was started by a rockslide. Hell, I'm taking that thing to Burning Man!