Criminal Law
A Hiker Is Charged With Starting the CA Fawn Fire
A woman who was attempting to hike to Canada is facing charges connected with the Fawn Fire, which authorities say she started while trying to boil drinking water, according to a criminal complaint from the Shasta County District Attorney’s Office in California.
Alexandra Souverneva, 30, faces a felony arson charge with an enhancement of committing arson during a state of emergency, District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett said. Souverneva could face up to nine years in state prison, though she could face more charges as the fire is still burning and the investigation is ongoing, authorities said.
The Fawn Fire began September 22 and as of Tuesday afternoon was 65% contained, according to Cal Fire. The fire has burned more than 8,500 acres and prompted Gov. Gavin Newsom to declare a state of emergency in Shasta County. The fire has destroyed homes and forced thousands of evacuations, according to a statement from Newsom’s office.
