Detectives say man set his own home on fire with fireworks

PIERCE COUNTY, Wash. — Pierce County Sheriff’s detectives arrested a Ketron Island man who they say set his own home on fire with fireworks, then threatened his neighbors when they tried to help put it out.

Witnesses told deputies they could hear ammunition exploding in the home as the man held them at bay. “(He) actually had a gun and some of the neighbors felt threatened,” said Detective Ed Troyer.  “We actually had to send deputies to the island and put him into custody.”

There are no deputies posted on the small island near Steilacoom, and no fire crews capable of battling a major structure fire. The man’s home burned to the ground.

The man was arrested on suspicion of reckless endangerment. On Monday he had not been charged pending further investigation.

KIRO