A northern Nevada woman has been arrested after investigators say she admitted to starting the Fred Mountain Fire, one of two wildfires that have combined along the California–Nevada border and forced thousands of residents from their homes.
Arrest and charges
The Washoe County Sheriff's Office identified the suspect as 47-year-old Christine Mitchell. Deputies say Mitchell told first-responding firefighters she had intentionally set multiple fires near the 1300 block of Freds Mountain Road. Sheriff’s detectives later established probable cause and arrested her on suspicion of third-degree arson and possession of a controlled substance.
"Starting another fire while crews were already committed to an active wildfire placed additional strain on emergency resources and unnecessarily threatened additional portions of our community," Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said.
Scope of the fires and local impact
Fire officials reported that the Fred Mountain Fire and the Bug Fire have merged and together have consumed more than 57,000 acres, with no containment reported as of Tuesday night. The Bug Fire was determined by the Bureau of Land Management to have a human cause; investigators said that cause is separate from the circumstances surrounding the Fred Mountain Fire.
State and local authorities have issued evacuation orders and warnings for wide areas north of Reno. The threat and associated smoke have disrupted daily life across parts of Washoe County, prompting school officials to cancel classes and activities at several campuses.
Government response and school closures
Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency Monday for portions of Washoe County and for the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony affected by the Bug and Fred Mountain fires.
The Washoe County School District announced cancellations at nine schools on Tuesday, citing evacuation zones, power outages and updated public-safety information. District officials said closures were precautionary as conditions evolved and public-safety agencies issued new guidance.
Emergency resources and community safety
Local and federal agencies remain mobilized to fight the blazes and to coordinate evacuations and sheltering. Officials say arson investigations often require special resources, and the sheriff warned that intentionally starting fires diverts crews from other active incidents and increases danger to both residents and emergency personnel.
Residents in affected areas are urged to follow evacuation orders and to monitor official channels for shelter locations and route information. People with health concerns related to smoke exposure should consult medical professionals or public-health guidance.
- Suspect: Christine Mitchell, 47.
- Charges: Third-degree arson; possession of a controlled substance.
- Fire size: More than 57,000 acres burned by merged Fred Mountain and Bug fires.
- Containment: None reported as of Tuesday night.
- School impact: Nine Washoe County schools canceled classes and activities on Tuesday.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Combined acreage | 57,000+ acres |
| Containment | 0% (no containment reported) |
| Schools affected | 9 Washoe County schools canceled |
Investigation status
The sheriff’s office said the investigation into the Fred Mountain Fire is ongoing. Officials have not released further details about the timeline of the alleged ignitions or whether additional charges may be filed. The Bureau of Land Management continues its separate inquiry into the origin of the Bug Fire on the California side of the border.
Authorities have emphasized that any confirmed incidents of intentionally set fires are treated as criminal matters and can lead to prosecution. They also note the substantial costs and risks associated with fighting wildfires during a period of high fire danger in the West.
As containment and investigation updates become available, residents in impacted communities should rely on official updates from the Washoe County Sheriff's Office, local fire agencies and the Washoe County School District for the most current information.
This developing situation has combined public-safety, criminal-justice and emergency-management concerns for communities north of Reno. Officials continue to balance suppression efforts with protecting life and property while investigators work to establish the full circumstances of both blazes.
