California has a relatively complex set of laws relating to arson, with serious penalties that depend on many factors. Among them are:

* whether the crime was against property or a person;

* whether a structure was inhabited;

* whether great bodily harm resulted;

* whether the perpetrator willfully and maliciously set the fire;

* extent of the damage caused.

As the article above states, fire destroys evidence but also preserves it. Arson investigators can often pinpoint the origin of such a blaze and determine its cause.

Someone who intentionally sets such a forest fire will at the very least face a charge of Aggravated Arson (willfully setting a fire of any residence, structure or forest likely to cause injury or causing damage in excess of a specified amount Cal. Penal Code § 451.5(a)). In and of itself, this charge carries a prison term of 10 years to life. Now that there has been loss of life, however, even greater charges and penalties are assured.