Facing two felony charges for allegedly starting the Coffin Fire, Brenda Eitzen appeared before a Trinity County judge Friday.
Authorities believe Eitzen recklessly discarded a cigarette near the town of Lewiston, inadvertently sparking the massive blaze.
News of the charges against Eitzen have sent shock waves through her home town of Los Molinos.
"I couldn't believe it, no way that's Brenda. She would never do something like that," said Chetta Lefitte, who's known Eitzen for about 10 years.
"There was a shock and disbelief. It was hard to believe she could do that, she's helped a lot of people," added Sabrina Atkins.
Joe and Brenda Eitzen have run the Guardian Angel foundation in Los Molinos for a decade. Over that time they have helped thousands of children who's parents are addicted to drugs or alcohol.
Joe told Action News that over the last five years the foundation has faced financial troubles and he believed the stress caused Brenda to suffer two strokes and turn to alcohol.
She was arrested twice for being drunk in public, once in Los Molinos, a second time in Trinity County a few days before the fire. Despite her recent troubles, her husband does not believe Eitzen could have sparked the fire.
"I can't imagine it because she's always so concerned around here with fire and leaving her cigarettes, she made sure they were out," said Joe Eitzen.
Trinity County District Attorney Michael Harper tells us it's important to send a message that being reckless with fire will not be tolerated.
If convicted on all charges Eitzen could spend four years behind bars.
