Nevada woman arrested for allegedly igniting fire that merged into massive Bug Fire

Washoe County Sheriff’s Office officials reported that Christine Mitchell, 47, was arrested on suspicion of third-degree arson and possession of a controlled substance after allegedly admitting to igniting the Fred Mountain Fire near the 1300 block of Freds Mountain Road in Nevada. The fire quickly joined the nearby Bug Fire, forming a massive wildfire that now spans nearly 58,000 acres, primarily in Nevada, and remains only 4% contained.

Emergency responders, including the Nevada National Guard, federal teams, and firefighters from Las Vegas and California, are constructing containment lines around the northern, eastern and southern perimeters. Several homes have been lost, and two individuals—a civilian and a firefighter—suffered injuries but were treated and released. Governor Joe Lombardo issued a state of emergency for portions of Washoe County and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony, set to remain in effect through Aug. 17. The investigation into the origin of the Fred Mountain Fire continues.