The image above with the smoke billowing from it looks like something out a horror film. However, the climate crisis has shown us that smoke and fire are now part of our new normal. The image shown above is not a still from a movie. It's a real scene from the Fawn fire.
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On Wednesday, the Fawn fire broke out in the Mountain Gate region near Redding. It is about two and a half hours north of Sacramento on Interstate 5. The fire had already consumed over 5,000 acres and threatened to destroy 2,000 structures by Thursday. It forced the evacuation of 4,000 people from Shasta County. The emergency was declared by Sheriff Michael Johnson early Thursday to help 30,000 people.
Cal Fire's latest update states that the Fawn fire has been burning on steep and rugged terrain making it difficult for firefighters. The department also stated that the fire was difficult to spot due to windy conditions on Wednesday night. The Fawn fire has been contained to 5%.
A Cal Fire Shasta Trinity unit spokeswoman said that although the cause of the fire is still being investigated, the department stated in a news release that it had arrested the woman believed to be responsible.
Cal Fire identified Alexandra Souverneva as the woman, a Palo Alto 30-year-old. Employees observed Souverneva walking through the brush close to the fire line and trespassing. She stated to firefighters that she was severely dehydrated and required medical attention.
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CAL FIRE Law Enforcement Officers interviewed Souverneva and gathered information that led officers to believe Souverneva was responsible for the fire. After being arrested, she was transported to the Shasta County Jail.
Cal Fire recommends that the Shasta County District Attorneys Office indict Souverneva for arson to wildland. This will be an enhancement since California is currently under emergency because of wildfires.
