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Wednesday, July 29, 2026 at 10:18 PM
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Yerington man charged with arson in Fernley church fire

Yerington man charged with arson in Fernley church fire
Robert Perea, The Fernley Reporter

A Yerington man has been arrested and charged with arson after a fire last week at the Fernley Free Methodist Church and the Fernley Crisis Pregnancy Center.

North Lyon County Fire Protection District Chief Scott Huntley said the fire at 100 West Street was first reported to the Lyon County Sheriff’s office on Sept. 27. Huntley said it was reported as a “warming fire”.

Photo courtesy of LCSO
Justin Carter of Yerington was arrested on an arson charge after a fire at the Fernley Free Methodist Church and Crisis Pregnancy Center.


Huntley said a resident notified him about the fire on Sept. 29, and he determined it to be arson, and based on the location of the fire, he contacted the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the Nevada State Fire Marshal.

Huntley said during his investigation he questioned several people in the area, and he found paper and other materials used to start the fire.

“There was minimal damage to the structure, just some charring and some evidence at the scene used to light the fire,” Huntley said. “Having the materials still at the scene assisted us.”

Huntley contacted the sheriff’s office, and they arrested Justin Carter, 34, of Yerington on charges of arson in the first degree and an additional charge of failure to register as a sex offender.

Carter is being held in the Lyon County Jail on $50,000 bail.

Lyon County Sheriff’s Office administration director Michael Carlson said sheriff’s office is still investigating the incident and will release no additional information at this time.

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Comment author: Kayla Allen Comment text: Suzie was a wonderful woman. I was pleased to call her my "godmother" as she helped me to become a better version of myself. I think about her a lot. Comment publication date: 7/10/26, 8:31 PM Comment source: Susanne Lynn Foster Comment author: Sheena Nash Comment text: After the trivia night is over, I would love for you to print the questions. I grew up in Fernley and would be interested to see how many answers I know. The coin is beautiful. Congrats on 25 years as a city! Comment publication date: 6/22/26, 1:38 PM Comment source: City of Fernley planning 25th anniversary celebration with three days of community events C Comment author: Carl C. Hagen Comment text: Maybe there is more to this story than what is reported, but it seems to me that the businesses that are causing this problem ought to be paying for this, or at least a major portion of it. Why does the County have to pay the whole bill? Just my opinion. Comment publication date: 5/7/26, 10:26 AM Comment source: Storey County, Tesla partner to extend I-80 Patrick on-ramp Comment author: Alan Reeder Comment text: Great guy, laughed easily, had fun with his students, enjoyed our time together at FHS! Comment publication date: 4/23/26, 10:23 PM Comment source: Howard David Jackson Comment author: Jack & Nancy Cook Comment text: Wonderful man. Created a precious family with Linda. Will always respect and admire his contribution to teaching at FHS. Comment publication date: 4/18/26, 10:27 AM Comment source: Howard David Jackson Comment author: JeffDickerson Comment text: Very well reported, even though our motion was denied. Comment publication date: 4/15/26, 11:05 AM Comment source: Judge allows Fernley City Council to proceed with corrective agenda item in Lau expulsion case
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