A man who started a wildfire, killing 12 California condors and injuring a firefighter, has been sentenced to 24 years in prison. On Wednesday, 31-year-old Ivan Gomez was sentenced for the 2020 Big Sur Dolan wildfire that started in August and destroyed 10 homes and an 80-acre condor sanctuary.
As reported by CBS News, the fire ultimately grew to an estimated 125,000 acres and a total of 14 structures were destroyed; multiple firefighters sustained injuries while fighting the blaze. Gomez started the fire at an illegal marijuana grow site; when confronted by state parks officers he confessed to starting the fire.
Gomez was sentenced after being convicted of 16 felony counts, including arson, throwing rocks at a vehicle, and 11 counts of cruelty to animals involving condor deaths.
(stock image of condor via Pixabay free images)
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