Matthew Kimmens, the man who set fire to Joy Lake in 2022, was sentenced to 45 years in prison, with eligibility for parole after 14 years on Tuesday.

He was ordered to pay restitution in the amount of $3,215,474.54 to the victims.

He was also ordered to pay fire suppression and investigation costs in the amount of $201,884.50.

OCTOBER 23, 2023:

A jury has convicted Matthew Kimmens of five counts of arson, finding that he intentionally set fire to Galena homes in August 2022.

The fires destroyed one home and damaged two others.

According to the district attorney, witness text messages and phone calls prove that the arsons were motivated by a domestic violence incident between Kimmens and his girlfriend.

Per court filings, the 44-year-old “targeted” people who assisted his girlfriend in escaping incidents of abuse, and threatened them with property destruction.

A judge will sentence Kimmens in December.

NOVEMBER 25, 2022:

A man faces several arson charges after deputies say he intentionally set two fires, including the Joy Lake Fire this past August. 

Deputies say 44-year-old Matthew Kimmens set the two fires near 3400 Joy Lake Road on August 14th. 

The fires destroyed one home and damaged three others resulting in significant property damage.

During a joint investigation by Washoe County Sheriff’s Office Detectives Unit and Truckee Meadows Fire and Rescue, authorities say it was determined the fires were willfully and maliciously set.

On November 23, 2022, WCSO Detectives and K9 Deputies located and arrested Kimmens for the following charges:

* Arson 1st Degree (four counts)

* Arson 3rd Degree

* Arson 4th Degree

* Destruction of Property $5,000.00 or more (four counts)

If you have any information that can help authorities, contact Detective Todd Williams at TAWilliamsJr@washoecounty.gov.

ORIGINAL STORY:

An investigation is underway after a 2.1-acre fire near Galena Creek on Sunday.

The fire was reported on Joy Lake Road around 4:35 p.m. on August 14, 2022.

Officials say one building was destroyed on Snow Flower Drive as a result of the fire.

The Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) regional administrator has authorized the use of federal funds for the fire.

At the time of the request, the fire threatened approximately 2,000 homes in and around Galena Creek. The fire also threatened a high school, elementary school, geothermal plant, power transmission lines, communications infrastructure and I-580.

Truckee Meadows Fire & Rescue in conjunction with the Washoe County Sheriff's Office is investigating the cause of the fire which could take several weeks.