In 2009, Mr. Weaver used it a few times to cut roadside grass for compost.

WSJ: Who Needs a WeedWacker When You Can Use a Scythe?

Instead, they believed it was started by a small, "undetermined roadside ignition of grass and debris" on the edge of U.S. 101 near Thousand Oaks, said Tom Piranio, a spokesman with the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection.

NPR: Cause Of California Wildfire Appears Accidental