In June 1965, Johnny Cash's truck caught fire from an overheated wheel bearing, triggering a forest fire that burnt 508 acres in Los Padres National Forest in California.
When the judge asked Cash why he did it, Cash said, "I didn't do it, my truck did, and it's dead, so you can't question it."
There is an internet rumor that the burning foliage off three mountains killed 49 of the refuge's 53 endangered condors, which would represent half the entire population. However, snopes.com makes an excellent point that 580 acres is around one square mile, and that breeding pairs of condors defend around 20 square miles, so 49 condors in that area doesn't make much sense.
Either way, Cash eventually settled the case and paid $82,001.
