Structure Fie and Gunshot Victim

Press Release

On September 5th, 2021 at approximately 2:40 p.m., the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch Center received several 911 calls regarding a structure fire and gunshot victim on Wingfield Road. Deputies from the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office, fire personnel and SEMSA ambulance were dispatched to the incident.

As deputies arrived on scene, they located a male subject suffering from a gunshot wound. The male was lying on the ground next to his residence as fire quickly spread through the home. Deputies dragged the male away from the home as it became fully engulfed in flames. After getting the male to a safe area, deputies began life saving efforts. As this was going on, other deputies began evacuating nearby residences as their homes were immediately threatened by the growing fire.

Fire personnel began arriving on scene and engaged in an active fire fight to stop the spread to nearby residences and property. The fire had spread into the surrounding vegetation, but firefighters were able to contain it. Several fire agencies responded to fight the fire, including: Cal-fire, Susan River Fire, Susanville City Fire, Janesville Fire, Standish Litchfield Fire, California Correctional Center Fire, Lassen National Forest and two private water tenders responded from the Dixie Fire. Two Cal-Fire helicopters were utilized to drop water and assist the firefighters on the ground. Susanville CHP also responded to assist with closing the roadway.

SEMSA ambulance arrived on scene and took over medical care of the male. SEMSA transported the male to Banner Lassen Medical Center and he was then flown to an out of area hospital. Due to the quick action of the deputies and the medical care he was provided, the male was in stable condition at the hospital.

The preliminary investigation showed the male subject intentionally lit his home on fire and shot himself. The investigation is still ongoing and anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Lassen County Sheriff’s Office at (530) 257-6121 with information.

The Sheriff’s Office would like to thank all of our local first responders for the collaborative effort to keep our community safe.

Sergeant Dustin Russell