A 47-year-old woman, Christine Mitchell, was arrested in Nevada on suspicion of third-degree arson and possession of a controlled substance after admitting to starting fires that contributed to the Fred Mountain fire near Reno.

Mitchell allegedly left Freds Mountain Road, started multiple fires in the area, and flagged down firefighting crews to tell them she deliberately set the blazes.

Authorities obtained probable cause to charge Mitchell with possession of a controlled substance (under 14 grams) and third-degree arson, with the investigation continuing and the possibility of additional charges.

Nearby schools were closed in the Reno area as evacuations and safety concerns mounted, with Washoe County School District canceling classes and activities at nine campuses.

KOLO reported on the developing fires and provided links to updates on containment progress and affected areas.

The Reno-Sparks Indian Colony evacuated Hungry Valley as the Stallion fire threatened tribal land near Pyramid Lake; the fire was later identified as human-caused but remained not contained at the latest update.

Sheriff Balaam credited collaboration among deputies, detectives, and fire crews, noting that starting another fire while responders were on scene strained resources and endangered the community.

Bail for Mitchell was set on a bondable basis with no cash option, meaning the bond could be posted without a cash component.

Officials urged anyone with information about the Fred Mountain Fire to contact law enforcement as the investigation continued.

The incidents occurred during a broader Western U.S. fire season characterized by high activity and widespread blazes across the region.

The blaze became known as the Fred Mountain Fire, prompting emergency response from multiple agencies.

The Fred Mountain Fire merged with the Bug Fire, together burning tens of thousands of acres with only a small fraction contained and triggering evacuations, including from tribal lands.