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Saturday, September 19, 2026 at 1:52 AM

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: Christopher Walsh Comment text: Could you look into the strong recurring smell around Fernley? It smells like sewage and it can be bad enough that people don’t want to be outside or open their windows. It would be helpful to get an investigative journalist help the Fernley residents get a clear answer from the City, NDEP, and any involved facilities. I was really disappointed that the smell was not disclosed by my realtor when I moved here. I enjoy Fernley and am seeing the improvements that are being made. With Appreciation Comment publication date: 9/12/26, 2:49 PM Comment source: Sewage spill near City of Fernley Municipal Well 9 Comment author: Alicia Euresti Comment text: We are all so blessed to have Pastor Matt and Mrs. Regina in this town. They have become a major part of pur family and our children adore them. Thank you both for all you do for qll of us. We love you!!!! Comment publication date: 9/6/26, 9:24 PM Comment source: Fascinating Fernley: Meet Your Neighbors at Living Faith Food Pantry Comment author: R Conley Comment text: Is the deputy receiving any additional training or reinforcing prior training? Comment publication date: 9/5/26, 10:08 AM Comment source: Inmate escapes from Fernley substation 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