Friends of the woman accused of sparking the Coffin Fire are speaking out to Action News. They say they are shocked that Brenda Eitzen was arrested, and say she's done nothing but good things for the people of Los Molinos.
Eitzen's friend Chetta Lefitte said "I couldn't believe it, I thought there's no way that's Brenda, she would never do something like that."
Eitzen is due in court Friday afternoon, to be charged in connection with starting the Coffin Fire on Wednesday afternoon. Authorities say she discarded a lit cigarette, starting the blaze that's burned at least 1,500 acres, forcing some residents near Lewiston from their homes. She will be charged with recklessly starting a fire that burned inhabited property, among other charges.
Friends tell Action News that Eitzen is the co-founder of the Guardian Angel Fund in Los Molinos. The organization helps the children of people who are addicted to drugs, by providing Christmas gifts including toys and clothing. This year she already has more than 300 children on her list to receive gifts.
Sabrina Atkins said "a lot of kids wouldn't have presents without her program."
Sources say Eitzen recently suffered a stroke and was on medication. She was recovering at a relative's home in Trinity County when the fire started.
Lefitte added "she would never do something to harm anyone at all."
