Woman arrested on suspicion of starting California blaze

The fire scorched more than 8.5 square miles of heavy timber on steep, rugged terrain amid hot, dry and gusty conditions

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of starting a Northern California wildfire that spread rapidly, burning homes and prompting evacuation orders in a rural community, authorities said.

Workers at a nearby quarry reported seeing a woman acting strangely and trespassing in the area in Shasta County where the Fawn Fire was sparked on the afternoon of September 22, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said in a statement. Later, Alexandra Souverneva walked out of the brush near the fire line and approached firefighters and told them she was dehydrated and needed medical help, Cal Fire said.

Souverneva (30) was taken out of the area for evaluation and treatment. During an interview with Cal Fire and law enforcement, officers came to believe Ms. Souverneva, of Palo Alto, was responsible for setting the fire, officials said. She was arrested and booked into the Shasta County Jail. As of September 23 it wasn't known if she has an attorney.