BUCKS LAKE — Fire officials Tuesday said the fire that destroyed popular Bucks Lake Lodge, a log cabin and three outbuildings started accidentally near a fireplace in the main building. Bucks Lake Lodge was a resort about 50 miles northeast of Oroville that burned down Jan. 20. It was open year-round and frequented by people from several counties.
The fire was initially reported to Plumas County Sheriff's Office at about 4:30 a.m. Jan. 20. during a snowstorm that made access difficult.
Firefighters were only able to get to the incident by snowmobile, and Plumas County Sheriff's officers had to use a snowcat to get to scene. The main lodge couldn't be saved, and despite measures taken by firefighters, a log cabin and three outbuildings were also destroyed.
Initially, sheriff's investigators assisted the U.S. Forest Service with the investigation, but it was quickly turned over to Cal Fire.
From Susanville, Cal Fire official Nicole Mello announced the conclusion of the investigation in a phone call Tuesday, and said the fire is being considered an accident.
Investigators were not able to determine the exact cause of the fire because of the heavy damage.
Mello also said officials did find the area the blaze started, an area in the main lodge near the fireplace. She said a fire had apparently burned in the fireplace during the night.
Mello said fire left burning in the fireplace "could have" contributed to the building catching fire.
Bucks Lake Lodge consisted of a main building that housed a bar, restaurant, a game room and a general store, along with cabins and other buildings. It was reportedly built in the 1930s. 
Source: www.chicoer.com article link