Salem Boy Accused of Intentionally Setting His Family`s Home on Fire

The 12-year-old boy was charged with first-degree arson.

Photo Courtesy: Bill Holmstrom/Salem Fire

(SALEM) - A 12-year-old boy from Salem is accused of intentionally setting his family`s home on fire Wednesday morning.

The Salem Fire Department responded to the home at 900 block of Claremont St. NW, just after 7:30 AM.

First arriving firefighters reported smoke rolling out of the front portion of structure.

A second alarm was called at 7:38 AM bringing additional apparatus and firefighters to the scene.

Salem Fire Captain Ken Hedlund said when they entered the home the smoke level was to the floor, making it impossible to see inside.

Firefighters were able to knock down and extinguish the fire within minutes of entering the home.

The damage to the structure was contained to the interior due to the aggressive attack by the fire fighters.

Salem Fire spokesman Bill Holstrom says fire investigators determined that a 12-year old boy who lives at the residence intentionally set the fire.

Salem Police charged the young boy with first-degree arson.

The Salem Fire Department will be involved in helping the young boy and his family through the Salem Fire Department's Juvenile Fire Setter Intervention program Holmstrom said.

He added that the department has a very successful juvenile fire setter intervention program that can help determine why children set fires and when they do, we can assist in the educational program to redirect this dangerous behavior.

No injuries were reported due to the fire and estimate on property and contents damage was $80,000.

The Red Cross is assisting the family with housing and other needs.

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