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Sheriff Arrests Christine Mitchell for Freds Mountain Fire

8/13/2026

Summary

Mitchell Arrested

Sheriff Darin Balaam announced Christine Mitchell's arrest for starting the Freds Mountain Fire.
Mitchell left a home near the 1300 block of Freds Mountain Road and ignited the blaze.
She flagged down crews, admitted fire was intentional, and was charged with third-degree arson and possession of a substance under 14 grams.
Balaam said the fire strained resources and later merged with the Bug Fire, creating a cross-border wildfire in Nevada.

Summary

Lombardo Declares Emergency

Governor Joe Lombardo declared an emergency for Washoe County and Reno-Sparks Indian Colony on August 11, unlocking aid.
The Nevada National Guard and crews from Las Vegas and California assisted local firefighters.
Evacuees used the Evelyn Mount Community Center and shelters at Longley Lane and Reno-Sparks Livestock Events Center, housing 150 livestock.
Authorities ordered mandatory evacuation of over 500 square miles, warned another 300 square miles, and deployed National Guard assistance to firefighters.

History

Historical Context

On October 25 2003 the Cedar Fire ignited in San Diego County, scorching roughly 273,000 acres, destroying over 2,800 structures and prompting the evacuation of about 80,000 residents. CalFire, the U.S. Forest Service, the National Guard and the Department of Defense coordinated a massive response. That multi-agency model guides Nevada’s 2024 actions by Sheriff Darin Balaam, Governor Joe Lombardo and the Nevada National Guard.

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Mitchell Arrested

Sheriff Darin Balaam announced Christine Mitchell's arrest for starting the Freds Mountain Fire.
Mitchell left a home near the 1300 block of Freds Mountain Road and ignited the blaze.
She flagged down crews, admitted fire was intentional, and was charged with third-degree arson and possession of a substance under 14 grams.
Balaam said the fire strained resources and later merged with the Bug Fire, creating a cross-border wildfire in Nevada.

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