The following is a press release issued by the Willits Police Department. The information has not been proven in a court of law and any individuals described should be presumed innocent until proven guilty:

On 8/19/21 at 6:08 pm, Willits Police, Little Lake & Brooktrails Fire Departments responded to a reported fire near the Burger King drive thru.
As the fire departments actively worked to contain the fire before it could spread, WPD’s Arson investigator and patrol officers began their investigation.
During the investigation, Officers identified 39 year old Jennifer Smith of Fort Bragg as a primary suspect. The investigation revealed Smith walked up from the nearby creek bed, stopped, lit a portion of the dry grass by the drive thru on fire and then walked away. WPD Officers were able to locate Smith a few blocks away and detain her.
After the investigation was complete, Smith was ultimately arrested for arson and a drug related charge.
Little Lake & Brooktrails Fire Departments were able to contain and extinguish the fire quickly before it was able to spread causing further damage.