A vegetation fire reported in Ranch Park west of Susanville on Saturday night led to a felony arrest, Cal-FIRE officials confirmed Monday morning. The incident, dubbed the Ranch Fire, occurred off the Paul Bunyan Logging Road.
Cal-FIRE Lassen Modoc Unit personnel responded to the reported vegetation fire at approximately 9:30p.m. August 9th. While crews were actively engaged in fire suppression, firefighters at the scene observed a suspicious individual attempting to flee the area.
A Cal-FIRE Law Enforcement Officer immediately initiated a response, locating Susanville Fire Department personnel who were with the individual. The subject was subsequently detained, and an investigation commenced.
According to the LCSO, the suspect was identified as Nikki Owens.
Cal-FIRE Public Information Officer Abby Dawson said that the investigation led to Owens’ arrest on two felony charges: Penal Code 451(c), which is arson of a structure or forest land, and Penal Code 3455, a violation of post-release community supervision.
“We would like to thank the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, Susanville Fire Department and all responding personnel for their assistance in suppressing the fire and supporting the investigation,” said Dawson.
