A woman accused of sparking a destructive fire in the Sierra Nevada foothills has been arrested on suspicion of arson, authorities said.
Police in the Nevada County city of Grass Valley responded to three 911 calls reporting smoke and fire in the brush around Nevada City Highway and Gates Place at about 3:20 p.m., authorities said
A woman was pointed out by witnesses. After being detained, she “made spontaneous claims” of starting the fire with a cigarette by accident, according to Grass Valley Police Lt. Brian Blakemore.
She later recanted, then said she started the fire while testing a lighter on the brush, Blakemore said. The suspect, identified as Elizabeth Houston, 49, was arrested on suspicion of felony arson.
Read more: Massive Park…
