Authorities have arrested a man suspected to have committed arson that caused the wildfire in the northern California town of Lower Lake. According to the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection, 40-year old Damin Pashilk faces 17 counts of arson, with some ranging back over the course of last year. The blaze broke out Saturday afternoon and has scorched around 4,000 acres of land.

More than 175 structures have been destroyed, forcing hundreds of residents to evacuate. Almost 2,000 firefighters have been sent to battle the flames as only 5 percent of its spread remains contained. The government has declared a state of emergency in both Lake County and San Luis Obispo County as another blaze has burned through more than 5,000 acres of land.