MAPLE FALLS, WA. – (MyBellinghamNow.com) A Maple Falls man is in custody after allegedly starting a fire that destroyed his own home Wednesday night.
Whatcom Fire District 14 Assistant Chief David Moe says firefighters responded to the fire on Golden Valley Boulevard just before 9 p.m. to find the mobile home fully engulfed in flames. One person was transported to PeaceHealth St. Joseph’s Medical Center in Bellingham for smoke inhalation. Four others were displaced by the fire and are being assisted by Red Cross.
An investigation by the Fire Marshal’s Office found that the fire was possibly committed by a resident of the home. Whatcom County Sheriff’s Office spokesperson Deb Slater says the suspect, 44-year-old Kristofer Lewis, later admitted to burning sage and incense inside the house. Lewis said he went to sleep and woke up to a family member telling him the house was on fire.
The hospitalized victim later confirmed to deputies that he noticed a smoldering bundle stuck to the wall of Lewis’s bedroom. The victim said he put the bundle out and went back to bed, but Lewis re-lit the bundle and stuck it back to the wall.
Moe says the home is a total loss and damage from the incident is estimated at $30,000.
Lewis faces a 1st Degree Reckless Burning charge and is currently at the Whatcom County Jail without bail.
