A 25-year-old woman has been arrested in connection with a fire that occurred in the Happy Valley area in late October, the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection said Friday.
Several witnesses identified Renee James as one of two people seen leaving a homeless camp near where the Saddle Fire started on Oct. 26, Cal Fire said in a news release.
The fire burned about 3.5 acres near Saddle Trail Road and Blue Horse Road and destroyed a travel trailer.
Cal Fire law enforcement and the Shasta County Sheriff’s Office were doing a follow-up investigation for the fire on Wednesday when they came into contact with James.
James was arrested on suspicion of causing the fire and outstanding warrants, investigators said. She is being held in the Shasta County Jail on $150,000 bail.
The news release did not say how James caused the fire.
David Benda covers business, development and anything else that comes up for the USA TODAY Network in Redding. He also writes the weekly “Buzz on the Street” column. He’s part of a team of dedicated reporters that investigate wrongdoing, cover breaking news and tell other stories about your community. Reach him on Twitter @DavidBenda_RS or by phone at 1-530-338-8323. To support and sustain this work, please subscribe today.
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