A boy who accidentally started one of the devastating wildfires that ravaged California last month after playing with matches will not be prosecuted, officials have said.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's Office said the 10-year-old had not intended to ignite the blaze, which scorched 15,400 hectares, destroyed more than a dozen homes and caused $US7.4 million ($8.21 million) damage.
The boy's case will instead be referred to the Los Angeles Department of Children and Family Services to determine if any other intervention is necessary, officials said.
The blaze, known as the Buckweed fire, began on October 21 and was initially blamed on downed power lines.
The wildfires were among the worst in Californian history, leaving eight people dead, destroying 2,000 homes and displacing 640,000 people. © 2007 Australian Broadcasting Corporation
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