If that child really is to blame he should be put in a juvenille detention center until he is old enough to be tried as an adult, and then convicted on all counts (arson, murder, attempted murder etc). His parents should share the punishment for not having better control over what their underage child does.
The family should have an example made out of them that this kind of behavior is unacceptable in a civilized society.

Vinnie, Denver, CO

I think that if it is proven that this child did start the fires, he should be tried as an adult. Where is the parental control these days? I swear, I believe if he is over the age of three, he should know not to play with matches. I realize that this sounds harsh, but children are out of control these days and it is high time that we do something about this! The parents should be ashamed of themselves as well. Why don't they teach the child what is right and what is wrong?

Kady, Columbia, MO

Oh, so Bush caused this too, Marat from France (where else!)

Tuija Gibson, Pasadena, CA

£20 says we see a South Park episode that parodies this story within the next year.

B Blake, Leeds, UK

This is such a let down. To think that all of the natural wildlife was burnt in an accidental fire. Now no one can be punished for thier actions. But, you can't blame the boy, when you were little, didn't you want to play with matches even though your parents said no? It is just so sad to see all of that wildlife gone.

Rachel , hubbard, United States, Ohio

Wow. How do you deal with this one? Authorities blamed the fire on fallen power lines, arson was not suspected. This kid and his parents came forward when they could have kept quiet. Now, I think the kid's parents could be financially responsible for the damage and the kid could at least be prosecuted as a minor. You can't let him walk, just because he was honest about it, but do you crucify him because the fire grew and caused a lot of damage? What should happen to this kid? Should his parents be held responsible?

BTW Eric from Helena: Global warming didn't cause the kid to play with matches, but it probably did contribute to a more severe Santa Ana wind system, causing the fires to spread faster and burn more intensely.

Joe , Sacramento, CA

Regardless of his age and that it was an accident, som epunishment is certain in order. He did a devasting amount of damage. If he was my kid I'd give him away to the gypsies.
Former Native California

lotlat, Southfield, MI

we always look for a scapegoat.look at the terrain.i think you will find the culprit.

john bynre, london,

was it really a kid who set up fire or California State wants to avoid a billionaire suit?

idontellya, tierradelfuego, aguascalientes

My heart is broken, not only for the family of the victims but for the parents of the boy. Most parents, at one time or another, have seen their children play with matches. I pray for them all.

Zoe, Chapel Hill, NC

my view is get rid of matches and stick to lighters but instead boost the age limit use to as little as possible and only let people smake in enclosed spaces not outdoors

jeffrey robertson, hampstead, maryland

wow...just wow, see kids, this is why you shouldnt play with fire. Listen to your parents!

Mike, Saline,

"...virtually all climate-model projections indicate that warmer springs and summers will occur over the region in coming decades. These trends will reinforce the tendency toward early spring snowmelt and longer fire seasons. This will accentuate conditions favorable to the occurrence of large wildfires"---as California is seeing all to well this week"

From Newsweek, a mainstream publication:

http://blog.newsweek.com/blogs/labnotes/archive/2007/10/25/why-california_2700_s-wildfires-are-america_2700_s-future.aspx

marta mueller, Sacramento, California

Global warming? Southern California has always had droughts, it is a desert and now a man made "paradise". In this topography, fires are nature’s way of creating fertile soil, but now people live on this land and expect it to not have its course. Please be a bit more progressive in your comments, we can exist with nature, it takes understanding, consideration, and solutions.

Terry, Los Angeles, CA

Is anyone else having trouble understanding Eric's comment? I believe Eric is attempting to inject a bit of humor (or sarcasm?) about global warming into what is a multiple tragedy which destroyed thousands of homes, and now has a child as the perpetrator.

Eric, have you ever wondered why people like yourself, who deny GW, find it necessary to make their argument at the most peculiar moments? Your comment makes no sense whatsoever.

Thomas, Seattle, WA

Where were the parents when this child was playing with matches?

Melissa, Morgantown , WV

It's clear what must be done now... fire is much too dangerous to be allowed into the hands of the common people. It must be taxed to the point where only the uber rich can afford it.

Next on my agenda will be pointy sticks...

Brian, Los Angeles, USA / CA

This can NOT be true! Senator Harry Reid, Democrat....said Global Warming started the fire.........but then again GW caused the yesterday's California Earth Quake; Hurricane Katrina; the Great Chicago Fire, the American Civil War, and the Red Sox to sweep the Rockies!

And everything else bad that happened was caused by George Bush.................who of course caused Global Warming!!!

Hotspur, ATL, USA

To teach this kid a lesson they should burn all his belongings!!!

Rick, Chicago, us/ il

The young man's parents shoul be held financially liable for all damages and property loss.

Bruce Northwood, Silver Spring, USA

Just about sums up Bush's America today and its attitude to the rest of the world - "a child playing with matches".

Marat, Toulouse, France

I guess global warming causes kids to play with matches, too!

Eric, Helena,