SUSANVILLE, Calif. — In the early hours of Friday, November 1, a fire ravages historic St. Francis Hotel on Main Street. A woman has been arrested for arson following an investigation into the cause of the fire.

According to the Susanville Police Department (SPD), an officer noticed heavy smoke coming from the building around 3 a.m., leading to immediate action. Firefighters responded to the scene and found a structure fully involved, with flames and smoke coming from all openings and threatening nearby buildings.

Additional fire units from the High Desert State Prison Fire Department, Janesville Fire Department, Susanville River Fire Protection District, Sierra Army Depot and Fire Department of Milford joined the effort.

RELATED: Historic St. Francis Hotel in Susanville destroyed by fire, cause unknown

During the initial investigation, a local business owner provided CCTV footage. The agency said the video showed a single suspect entering the St. Francis Hotel and leaving about two minutes later. Shortly after, an explosion occurred on the second floor of the building. Three minutes later, a police officer arrived and reported the fire.

Later that day, police said investigators identified and interviewed the person seen entering the hotel. Statements made during the interview led to the arrest of Tahnee Willow Orr, 39, of Susanville. She was booked into the Lassen County Jail on charges of aggravated arson.

The investigation continues and follow-up interviews are underway.

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