Hesperia, California — A woman who describes herself as a “fire goddess” is facing serious criminal charges after authorities say she intentionally set a vehicle ablaze while multiple people were inside, creating a potentially deadly situation that investigators allege could have ended in tragedy.
Nicole Najlis, 30, was arrested after a fire destroyed two vehicles at a Pilot truck stop in Hesperia shortly after midnight on Tuesday. The San Bernardino County Sheriff’s Department has charged her with attempted murder and arson, and her bail has been set at $1 million.
The dramatic incident unfolded following what witnesses described as a heated argument during a road trip from Southern California to Nevada.
Authorities Say Fire Started After Dispute
According to investigators, deputies responded to reports of vehicles engulfed in flames and arrived to find two vehicles burning.
Witnesses at the scene directed deputies toward Najlis, who was later located and arrested nearby.
Authorities have not released full details of their investigation, but statements from those involved paint a picture of a dispute that escalated rapidly.
James Bahr, the owner of the destroyed Honda Element, said he had been traveling with Najlis and several friends after attending activities in Southern California.
Bahr said he knew Najlis through mutual acquaintances and had attempted to help her during a difficult period in her life.
Argument Allegedly Turned Violent
According to Bahr, tensions began building during the drive when Najlis repeatedly asked for his prescription medication.
“She kept harassing me for my Xanax and I wouldn’t give it to her,” Bahr said.
He alleged that the disagreement became physical while he was driving.
“She got so upset that she had punched me in the head while I was driving,” he said.
Bahr said the incident forced him to pull over at a gas station for safety reasons.
After stopping, he reportedly asked Najlis to leave the vehicle. As he began removing belongings from the car, he noticed a strong smell of fuel.
Two Sleeping Passengers Escape Fire
Bahr claimed he then witnessed the situation take a dangerous turn.
“Then I smell gas and as soon as I said, ‘what is that smell?’ she threw a match and lit the car on fire.”
At the time, two other passengers were reportedly asleep inside the Honda Element.
The flames and commotion woke the sleeping occupants, allowing them to escape before the fire consumed the vehicle.
The incident became even more dangerous because Bahr, a professional pyrotechnician, had equipment related to his work stored inside the vehicle.
Propane Tank Explosion Increased Danger
Bahr said the vehicle contained propane tanks and specialized fire-effects equipment used in his profession.
According to his account, one of the propane tanks exploded approximately 30 seconds after the fire started. Fortunately, authorities reported that no injuries occurred, despite the explosive conditions.
However, the vehicle was completely destroyed, leaving behind little more than a burned-out shell after firefighters extinguished the blaze.
Thousands of Dollars in Damage Reported
Bahr estimated the total loss at approximately $12,000, including the recently purchased vehicle, professional equipment, tools, and personal belongings.
“I got the car two weeks ago, so it was sentimental and we had just dropped like $2k on transporting it,” he said.
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“This is just insane to me, I’m still shocked.”
He has since launched a fundraising campaign to help recover some of the financial losses.
Court Proceedings Ahead
Najlis, who is known online as “Cosmic Nymph” and has built a reputation around fire-based performances and artistic work, remains at the center of the criminal investigation.
Authorities said court records show previous encounters with law enforcement involving allegations including assault, disorderly conduct, and traffic-related offenses.
Her next court appearance is scheduled for Thursday as prosecutors continue pursuing the attempted murder and arson case.
Meanwhile, investigators continue reviewing evidence surrounding the fire that authorities say could have resulted in a far more devastating outcome.
What are your thoughts on this case?
Do you believe attempted murder charges are appropriate when a fire is allegedly started with people trapped inside? Share your thoughts respectfully in the comments below.