Bikini-clad woman accused of setting fires near Echo Summit last summer granted bail

SOUTH LAKE TAHOE, Calif. - The woman who is suspected of starting three small fires near Aspen Creek Tract in August 2021 made an appearance in El Dorado County Superior Court Friday.

Viola Liu, 43, has been in jail since being arrested at the time of fires.

Deputies from the El Dorado County Sheriff's Office responded to the area of Aspen Creek Tract near Sierra-at-Tahoe on August 11, 2021, on a report of a wildland fire. Upon arrival, they contacted fire personnel already at the scene who directed deputies to Liu, the likely arson suspect, who was dressed only in a bikini and covered in scratches and soot.

Deputies said Liu, who is from Fremont, Calif., admitted to starting the three fires (totaling about 1/4 acre), which was corroborated by other evidence in the investigation. She was arrested and booked into the El Dorado County Jail for arson, possession of a controlled substance, possession of drug paraphernalia, and resisting/obstructing a peace officer.

She is currently being represented by Dale Gomes who argued Liu started the fires to keep warm after being stranded with a high-centered car. This happened three days before the Caldor Fire started. Gomes said Liu was the victim of circumstance and was not granted bail because the large Caldor Fire was on everyone's mind. He said even the two men who are accused of starting the Caldor Fire were out on $50,000 bail.

Deputy District Attorney Casey Mandrell argued Liu was on methamphetamine and in a bikini. If she were cold enough to start a fire, he said she could have put clothing on. Mandrell also said her car wasn't stuck that far off of US50 and could have walked out for help.

Judge Rick Meyer set Liu's bail at $50,000 and said she has to check in with the probation office for weekly drug testing if out on bail, and also be subject to search and seizure. She is next due in court on May 2.

As of Monday, March 21 Liu is still in the jail in South Lake Tahoe.