CAL FIRE law enforcement officers arrest arson suspect in El Dorado County

EL DORADO COUNTY, Calif. - A 41-year-old woman has been arrested as the suspected arsonist in three separate fires that were set in Placerville. CAL FIRE Law Enforcement Officers, assisted by the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Office arrested Lacy Young of Waterford on Thursday, August 29 for starting the fires earlier in the day in the area of Fort Jim Road and Newtown Road.

After completion of the initial investigation, it was determined that all fires were intentionally set. Each fire was quickly extinguished within 20 minutes of ignition, with the burn area limited to less than a quarter acre.

Young had been arrested at 3 a.m. Thursday on three misdemeanor charges in the Mt. Aukum Road area for trespassing, possession of controlled substance, and possession of drug paraphernalia. She was released, then rearrested hours later after the initial fire investigation.

The suspect's bail has been set at $550,000.

From January 1, 2024, through July 31, 2024, CAL FIRE Law Enforcement Officers have made 78 arson arrests. To report suspicious fire activity, call the Arson Tip Line at 1-800-468-4408. For questions related to the arrest of Lacy Young, please contact the El Dorado County District Attorney’s Office at (530) 621-6472.