Dayton man arrested for arson, reckless endangerment

On Tuesday, Central Lyon County Fire Protection District and Lyon County Sheriff’s Office deputies responded to the area of 75 Pike St. in Dayton for a brush fire that was spreading rapidly and threatening multiple structures.

Central Lyon County Fire and multiple citizens with garden hoses were able to put the fire out before it spread to any structures. A short time later, a second fire erupted near Dayton Valley Road and Ricci Road, threatening multiple residential structures and businesses.

During the course of the investigation at both fire locations, multiple witnesses identified Jonah Watson, 26, of Dayton at the scene of both fires.

Witness statements, along with evidence collected at the scene, determined Watson was the person who set the fires.

Watson previously was arrested in December 2022 for similar circumstances.

Watson was charged with two counts of third-degree arson and two counts of reckless endangerment to the public.

Total bail was $15,000.