Nampa house fire ruled arson
By Michael McAuliffe
mmcauliffe@idahopress.com
Saturday, May 3rd, 2008
NAMPA — Nampa authorities said a fire that displaced a family and destroyed their home Thursday night was the work of an arsonist.
The Nampa Fire Department responded to the 4400 block of Airport Road at about 7:15 p.m. regarding a residential fire. Fire investigators from the Fire Department and Nampa Police Department responded and conducted an investigation into the origin and cause of the fire.
Business helps daughterJohn Elliott said after learning that his daughter’s prom dress had been damaged in the fire, Margene’s Bridal stepped forward to provide her with a replacement.
Elliott said the family was very thankful for the gesture.
“They gave her a beautiful dress for prom,” he said.
E-mail story
Share story [x]
Discuss
Print
Log in to save in your libary
Subscribe
“After the investigation was complete, investigators were able to determine that the fire was intentionally set,” Nampa Police Sgt. Mick Lathrop said in a press release Friday.
After interviewing several witnesses and examining the evidence, investigators determined that the blaze had been set by a 17-year-old girl who was in the area visiting.
“The only motive for the fire was property destruction,” Lathrop said. “At this time there are charges pending against this juvenile who was released to the custody her parents.”
Homeowner John Elliott said he could only speculate as to why his daughter’s friend would have set fire to the house and Elliott’s nearby automotive shop.
Although the shop appeared to only have sustained about $300 worth of damage, Elliott said he could not work there because it was without power. His home will have to be razed and rebuilt, he said — a process that could take up to four months.
“It’s a total disaster,” Elliott said.
Members of Elliott’s family who were home at the time of the fires escaped unharmed, along with their two dachshunds, sheltie and two cats.
Family members were staying in a local hotel Friday night, and they have received assistance from their insurance company, the Red Cross, a school counselor from Ridgeline High and at least one local business.
The pets were taken in by neighbors. Elliott said damage to the house exceeded $100,000 and that the family was working to salvage as many personal belongings as they could.
