Thompson Fire suspect pleads not guilty, lawyers consider change of venue

OROVILLE, Calif. — The 26-year-old man accused of starting the Thompson Fire in Oroville this summer pleaded not guilty in a Butte County courtroom on Wednesday, October 2.

Prosecutors say Spencer Anderson, an aspiring firefighter, threw a lit firework out of his car to test it. This firework caused millions of resources and damage.

“Mentally, I don’t think he’s on the same page as us,” said Oroville resident Phillip Papa, who was in the courtroom Wednesday. Dad lost several structures on his rural property. “To me, this is all behind us and we are moving forward. We are thinking about positive things and not letting Mr. Anderson control our lives by what he has done.”

Anderson’s attorney, Larry Pilgrim, says his client understands the seriousness of the situation.

“Mr. Anderson presents himself very clearly, very lucidly, he understands that he is in a dire situation,” Pilgrim said.

He says he’s considering changing venues, raising concerns about the potential impartiality of Butte County jurors.

“It might be difficult to find in this city, in this region, 12 citizens who have not experienced prejudice or bias from the media and who have already made up their minds,” he said. “Obviously, given the serious fires in this area, this is a very significant concern of our local residents, society and the public, so he feels the hatred from the community.”

But prosecutors say a change of venue is possible but might not be necessary.

“I’m confident he can get a fair jury in Butte County,” Butte County Prosecutor Mike Ramsey said. “Especially since the part that it burned down was a pretty narrow strip in the north of the county. We have a whole bunch of other counties that weren’t affected.”

Anderson is due back in court Nov. 12 for a preliminary hearing.