Woman Admits To Starting Fred Mountain Fire Near California-Nevada Border, Officials Say

CBS Bay Area

August 12, 2026

A 47-year-old woman was arrested on suspicion of intentionally starting the Fred Mountain Fire, one of two wildfires that have merged at the California-Nevada border as thousands of people remain under evacuation orders and warnings.

Christine Mitchell was arrested in connection with the Fred Mountain Fire after investigators said she intentionally started multiple fires near the 1300 block of Freds Mountain Road in Nevada, the Washoe County Sheriff's Office announced Tuesday evening.

According to the sheriff's office, fire crews responding to the Fred Mountain Fire shortly after it started were flagged down by Mitchell, who allegedly told them she had intentionally started the fire.

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