Wildfires have become fairly prevalent in California. Much of it is a cause or reason of climate change and dry weather. But in one unusual case, a woman who calls herself a Shaman is charged for causing a wildfire in a California county that threatens thousands of houses.
Officials announced on Friday that a woman has been detained and charged with criminal arson in connection with causing a wildfire in Northern California. It has burnt nearly 9,850 acres, destroyed homes, and forced mandatory evacuations. The Fawn Fire broke out in Shasta County on Wednesday afternoon and quickly expanded. Cops arrested Alexandra Souverneva, 30, on Thursday, according to Cal Fire.
According to the New York Post, the wildfire damaged 41 homes and 90 smaller structures while endangering 2,340 others. Souverneva, on the other hand, has pled not guilty and has a fairly fascinating defense.
The Report
According to the report, Souverneva said that she was hiking and trying to reach Canada when the fire broke out in Shasta County last week. She told forest officials that she was hiking when she became thirsty. Then, she came across a puddle of what she thought was bear urine. According to the New York Post, Souverneva attempted to start a fire to boil the bear’s urine before consuming it. However, things did not go as planned when the fire did not start. So, she drank the water she mistook for animal urine and continued on her way.
Souverneva was later stuck in the bush due to the fire and had to phone the fire brigade. When firefighters arrived on the scene, they asked Souverneva to unload her pockets and fanny pack. Officer Matt Alexander of the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection stated she had CO2 canisters, a lighter, and “a green, leafy substance she admitted to smoking that day” in her fanny pack.
Other Witnesses
According to other witnesses, Souverneva spilled two CO2 cartridges on the day the fire erupted. Several residents called police on Wednesday to report a lady trespassing and acting “irrationally” in the area. Cal Fire came upon Souverneva later that evening when she went out of the brush near where the fire had started. According to the news statement, a woman contacted firefighters and stated that she was dehydrated and in need of medical assistance.
Officials believe Souverneva has a connection to several other fires in the county and state, and are looking into it.
During a press conference on Friday, Shasta County District Attorney Stephanie A. Bridgett said she had a lighter in her pocket. (Xanax) Cops apprehended Souverneva at the site. Also, a preliminary investigation determined that arson started the fire, according to the DA.
“My office will not hesitate to prosecute any person who either intentionally or recklessly starts a fire,” she said.
The Fawn Fire was 60 percent in control as of Monday night, according to the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office. California Gov. Gavin Newsom announced a state of emergency for Shasta County on Monday, according to KPIX.
This year, wildfires in California have scorched an estimated total of roughly 2 million acres.