Fireworks Sets Wash. House Ablaze; Arrests Made

Two people have been charged with arson.

Source The Columbian, Vancouver, Wash.

July 17, 2014

July 16--Two people, one a juvenile, were arrested today in connection with a July 5 fireworks fire that destroyed a Felida home.

Andrew Perez, 18, of Hazel Dell, was booked into the Clark County Jail on suspicion of first-degree arson, according to Clark County Fire Marshal Jon Dunaway. A 16-year-old boy was also taken into custody.

The fire destroyed a home at 100 N.W. 108th St. Fire investigators believe the two suspects intentionally placed a firework device on the front lawn and aimed it at a bedroom window. The fire ignited a bush next to the window, then flames spread under the eaves and into the attic of the ranch-style home. Once in the attic, flames spread throughout the house.

A family who was renting the house was not home at the time of the fire.

The home, a Spanish-style ranch house valued at $133,800, was determined to be a total loss, according to Dunaway.

During firefighting efforts, one firefighter suffered injuries when a portion of the ceiling collapsed on him. He was transported by ambulance to a local hospital where he was treated and released.

Dunaway said the investigation is ongoing and may result in additional arrests and charges.