Father and son arrested over wildfire that forced thousands to flee homes

A father and son have been arrested accused of starting the fire which destroyed homes and a ski resort near Lake Tahoe, California (AP Photo/Noah Berger, File)

A father and son were arrested on Wednesday on suspicion of starting a massive California wildfire that destroyed many homes and forced tens of thousands of people to flee Lake Tahoe communities earlier this year, authorities said.

David Scott Smith, 66, and his son, Travis Shane Smith, 32, are accused of reckless arson in a warrant issued before formal charges are filed, the El Dorado County District Attorney’s office said.