Free Republic

A serial arson suspect, who a New York judge freed without bail Monday, ignited a new investigation less than two hours later on armed robbery charges, according to the Suffolk County District Attorney’s Office. Amanda Burnside, a Southampton woman who was accused of lighting fires at three houses, was released on her own recognizance despite prosecutors’ request that the judge set bail at $500,000 or $1 million bond. A judge ordered her to report for supervised release within 72 hours. Instead, according to authorities, she waited less than two hours before she acquired a knife, went into a Dollar Tree...

Authorities have recommended a woman be charged with arson in connection with starting the Fawn Fire in Northern California. Officials said as firefighters were battling the blaze near Redding on Wednesday, a woman was found trespassing in the area. Workers at a quarry informed officials of a woman wandering the area of the fire. The woman, who has been identified as 30-year-old Alexandra Souverneva, approached firefighters and told them she was dehydrated and needed medical treatment. Souverneva reportedly had a lighter in her pocket. She was treated and later interviewed by authorities who determined she started the blaze. ... The...

Firefighters battling the Dixie Fire have also been facing a second enemy: a serial arsonist who went on a spree of setting fires in July and August — and who sought to trap fire crews with his fires, according to agents from the U.S. Forest Service. They allege former college professor Gary Maynard is the culprit, citing their tracking of his movements and other evidence. "Where Maynard went, fires started. Not just once, but over and over again," the government said in a court memorandum arguing for Maynard to be denied bail.