Multiple fires reported around Dayton; man arrested on suspicion of arson

Photos were sent in by Sue Ballew.

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Lyon County Sheriff’s deputies responded to the call at the historical railroad depot near Main Street and U.S. 50 in Dayton at 3:25 p.m. Wednesday.

When deputies arrived, they discovered the historical railroad depot was on fire due to an apparent arson. The structure was determined to be unoccupied and no injuries were sustained due to the fire. Two structures nearby sustained fire damage incident to the railroad depot fire. Central Lyon County Fire Department personnel arrived on scene and worked in conjunction with the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office to conduct an arson investigation.

At approximately 5:54 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the Community Roots nursery where an additional fire was located. This fire did not damage any structures but burned a small amount of landscape in the area.

At approximately 7:33 p.m., deputies were dispatched to the state park just east of the Gold Ranch Casino for a male subject starting fires.

When deputies arrived, witnesses directed them to a 63-year-old man who was laying on the ground near a brushfire. The man later was identified as Kurt Selzer of Ventura, Calif. There was a second brushfire in the area as well. Selzer was in possession of a lighter and a nearly empty jug of acetone at the time deputies contacted him. Witnesses in the area informed deputies Selzer admitted to starting both brushfires.

Selzer was booked into the Lyon County Jail without incident. He was charged with two counts of third-degree arson, a felony. His bail was set at $10,000.

The investigation into the arson at the railroad depot is ongoing and charges related to that investigation are pending. Anyone with information related to this investigation is requested to contact the Lyon County Sheriff’s Office at 775-463-6600.