Veneta, OR – A Veneta woman and a Eugene woman were arrested in two separate arson investigations today in Lane County, after authorities allege each attempted to set fire to a house and a field, respectively.
According to the Lane County Sheriff’s Office, deputies responded around 2 p.m. Thursday to the 88100 block of 5th Street in Veneta after reports of a backyard fire. Fire personnel at the scene determined the fire was intentionally set, allegedly started with gasoline inside the house and ignited among debris outside. A witness reported seeing Shara Maria Brittain, 29, of Veneta, fleeing the area.
Deputies assigned to the Veneta patrol contract located Brittain at a nearby business and, after an investigation, arrested her on a charge of Arson in the 1st Degree. She was lodged at the Lane County Jail.
While deputies were investigating that incident, they responded at about 2:30 p.m. to a report of a second fire on the 39100 block of Camp Creek Road in Springfield. According to deputies, a witness saw Samantha Dawn Weekly, 34, of Eugene, allegedly attempting to light grass in a field on fire. The witness intervened and extinguished the flames before they could spread, and Weekly left the area.
Deputies quickly found and detained Weekly nearby. Following further investigation, she was arrested and also lodged at the Lane County Jail for Arson in the 1st Degree.
Lane County authorities thanked the Lane Fire Authority for their assistance in both incidents. No injuries were reported, and both fires were contained quickly.
This article was produced by a journalist and may include AI-assisted input. All content is reviewed for accuracy and fairness.
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