A 47-year-old female accused firebug has been busted for using a blue Bic lighter to ignite one of two blazes that merged near the California-Nevada border and developed into a raging inferno.

Christine Mitchell was taken into custody after flagging down authorities and acting erractically — while admitting to starting the Fred Mountain Fire,according to the Washoe County Sheriff’s Office late Tuesday and Reno Gazette Journal, citing court documents.

Mitchell allegedly told a sheriff’s officer at one point that she suffered from bipolar disorder, depression and dissociative identity disorder, the outlet said.

A woman who identified herself as Mitchell’s niece told Our Town Reno that the accused arsonist “seemingly lost” her two dogs recently and “took it out on the rest of the world” with the blaze.

Christine Mitchell was arrested on suspicion of intentionally starting the Fred Mountain Fire near Freds Mountain Road in Nevada.

Mitchell, who allegedly confessed to investigators that she had intentionally started multiple blazes near the 1300 block of Freds Mountain Road in Nevada, was seen wearing a purple dress while being led away by a deputy in handcuffs

Police arrested her on suspicion of third-degree arson and possession of a controlled substance.

“I am proud of the work our deputies and detectives put into this investigation and thankful for the coordination with our fire service partners,” Washoe County Sheriff Darin Balaam said.

“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,” Balaam said.

Multiple Sparks Fire units work to support containment efforts at the Bug Fire and Fred Fire.

Multiple Sparks Fire units work to support containment efforts at the Bug Fire and Fred Fire. Residents are advised to stay out of the affected areas and remain alert for emergency notifications.

Mitchell is being held on $80,000 bail.

The Bug Fire and Fred Mountain Fire, burning north of Reno, Nevada, combined into a single blaze Tuesday as scorching heat, bone-dry vegetation and gusty winds fueled the explosive growth.

The blaze now spans nearly 58,000 acres, mostly in Nevada. The fire was also 4% contained at the last update Tuesday.

Firefighters are scrambling to build containment lines around the northern, eastern and southern edges of the sprawling burn.

Reno and Sparks firefighters continue to assist on the Bug Fire.

Two people — including a firefighter — have been injured and released after treatment.

The Nevada National Guard and military police have joined federal crews and firefighters from Las Vegas and California in battling the flames, according to KOLO 8 News Now.

Several homes have been destroyed, although officials are still assessing the damage. Two people — including a firefighter — have been injured and released after treatment.

Gov. Joe Lombardo declared a state of emergency for portions of Washoe County and the Reno-Sparks Indian Colony on Monday.

Several schools in Washoe County have been closed as thousands of people evacuate the area due to the worsening fires. Nevada is also dealing with the Stallion Fire, which has burned 33,426 acres since Monday.

The evacuation area has surpassed more than 500 square miles, with another 300 under evacuation warnings.

Wildfires have also cut power for thousands of customers in Nevada’s North Valleys and near Pyramid Lake.

The governor’s office said the emergency declaration will remain in effect through Aug. 17, but could be terminated sooner if conditions improve, according to KTNV.

The investigation into the Fred Mountain Fire is ongoing.

There’s a chance the weather in Nevada will provide a reprieve for wildfire victims. This week, thunderstorms and showers are moving into the area and will produce occasional heavy rainfall.

Source: https://nypost.com/2026/08/12/us-news/cops-arrest-firebug-accused-of-starting-fred-mountain-fire/