Hiker Charged With Starting Massive California Wildfire After Trying to Boil Water Containing Bear Urine to Drink

A woman has been charged with sparking the recent Fawn Fire in California after telling authorities she tried to boil water containing bear urine.

Fire consumes forests in the Pine Flat area as the Windy Fire continues to spread.
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Image via Getty/David McNew

Fire consumes forests in the Pine Flat area as the Windy Fire continues to spread.

A woman has been charged in connection to the Fawn Fire in California that started last week. As she attempted to hike to Canada, the Bay Area native allegedly tried boiling water containing bear urine to make it drinkable, CNN reports

Alexandra Souverneva, 30, faces a felony arson charge with an enhancement of committing arson during a state of emergency, which was declared for Shasta County by California Gov. Gavin Newsom on Monday. The former yoga teacher has pleaded not guilty. While she’s currently facing up to nine years in prison, additional charges could be handed down following the conclusion of an ongoing investigation into the Fawn Fire, which has yet to be fully contained. 

“We are aware that there are possible additional fires here in our county that she may be linked to as well as other charges in other fires, statewide,” District Attorney Stephanie Bridgett said. “My office will not hesitate to prosecute (any) person who either intentionally or recklessly starts a fire.” 

According to Cal Fire, the Fawn Fire started on Sept. 22, and as of this writing, consumed 8,577 acres. There have been 26 homes and other structures damaged from the blaze, and 185 destroyed. CBS San Francisco reports the wildfire initially put 9,000 buildings in danger, but the total dropped to 2,340 when light rain periodically fell over parts of Northern California. The weather also aided in containment efforts over the weekend. 

Souverneva was on a hike headed to Canada on Sept. 22 when she was turned away by quarry employees after being spotted in the Mountain Gate community in Northern California. A thirsty Souverneva found a puddle of water in a dry creek bed, but allegedly realized it contained bear urine.

She was unsuccessful with her first attempt to filter out the bear urine with a tea bag. “She said that didn’t work so she attempted to make a fire to boil the water. She stated it was too wet for the fire to start. She said she drank the water anyway and then continued walking uphill from the creek bed,” the complaint read. 

Souverneva was later stuck in the brush and contacted the local fire department. She was evaluated for dehydration, and questioned by authorities, allegedly admitting to trying to light a fire. Souverneva was then taken into custody. 

The complaint alleges Souverneva had CO2 cartridges, a cigarette lighter, and a “white item containing a green leafy substance” at the time of her arrest. Her bail has been set at $150,000, and she’s expected to appear in court on Oct. 5.

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