Woman arrested for arson in Grass Valley fire that led to evacuation

GRASS VALLEY – A woman was arrested on suspicion of setting a fire that prompted evacuations in the Grass Valley area of ​​Nevada County Friday afternoon.

The fire raged in Grass Valley between Lumberjacks Restaurant and Sierra Motor Sports on Nevada City Highway. The Grass Valley Fire Department confirmed the fire started in vegetation and spread to the motorsports building.

Grass Valley police ordered a mandatory evacuation for several zones, but most of those orders were lifted shortly before 5 p.m. A map of the county's zones can be found online.

Shortly after 4:30 p.m., police announced that the spread of the vegetation fire had been stopped.

Suspect arrested

Grass Valley police confirmed to CBS13 that a woman was arrested for arson and taken to jail. Police said she told officers she started the fire.

The suspect was identified as 49-year-old Elizabeth Huston of Nevada County. She was booked into jail on charges of arson of an occupied structure.

Sierra Motorsport

Sierra Motor Sports was still working on its inventory list Friday evening, but police estimated that $1.5 million worth of inventory was lost. Many of their vehicles were destroyed, as well as helmets, gloves, clothing and other merchandise.

According to police, about half a dozen vehicles were not destroyed.

The building contained old heating oil and numerous other fuels that were used for repair work.

According to police, four employees were in the building when the fire broke out. They were able to leave the building without injuries.

Police officers will remain on site throughout the night and firefighters will clean up the scene.