As an investigation into the cause of the Fawn Fire continues, new information has been revealed about the Palo Alto woman arrested in connection with the fire.
On Friday, Alexandra Souverneva, 30, was charged with arson to wildland for allegedly starting a blaze which has destroyed 100 structures in Shasta County.
The Shasta County District Attorney, Stephanie Brivagen, announced that Souverneva was "reported by several civilians that she was acting strangely and was in the area of the origin where the fire began."
The 30-year-old woman grew up and attended high school in Palo Alto. She holds two degrees, biology and chemistry, from the prestigious California Institute of Technology in Pasadena.
CAL FIRE officials said they have broadened their investigation as she may be linked to other fires in the region or the state. If Souverna is convicted for the felony arson charges, she will face up to nine years in state prison.
The Fawn Fire has grown to 7,544 acres since igniting on Wednesday with 10% containment, causing officials to call evacuations for 2,500 residents in the area.
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