California Resident Convicted of Arson

Started More Than 80 Fires

A jury has convicted a California man of Third Degree Arson after he was found to have started 82 small “spot” fires near Gerlach.

In September of 2023, a game warden with the Nevada Department of Wildlife (NDOW) was patrolling along Highway 447, around 20 miles from Gerlach, when she noticed a plume of smoke. While investigating, the warden came across Kevin Barcus (dob 8/7/93), who appeared to be living in his van off in a remote area of Northern Washoe County.

While further searching the area, the warden found two small bunches of burned grass and a trail of several burnt shrubbery and trees leading to Barcus’ van. When approaching the defendant, the warden saw an actively burning juniper tree. Barcus was also covered in soot and ash, and his hair was singed in several places.

After placing Barcus under arrest, members of the Washoe County Sheriff's Office and the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) were called to assist. Investigators with BLM found more than 40 different burn areas right away, with one site still smoldering. Assisting Special Agent in Charge Scott Fischer, an expert in wildfire arson investigation, identified 82 individual fires in the area around Barcus’ camp.

Chief Deputy District Attorney Amos Stege highlighted that the arrest of Barcus by these officers prevented the risk of a broader wildfire in an important and cherished area for hunting and recreation. 

Sentencing is set for February 7^th, 2024 with the Honorable Judge Egan Walker presiding.