Centralia City Firemen look over the fire scene at 902 South Marion where one person received what is believed to be minor smoke inhalation from a blaze believed to have been set. Photo by Tim Ferguson.
Centralia Fire and Police Investigators are trying to determine exactly what caused a fire labeled as arson in a home the city just took possession on Friday.
One person inside the home at 902 South Marion received minor smoke inhalation and was transported to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital for treatment. Brittany Elliston apparently was still staying at the residence even though the city had taken possession as part of a condemnation proceeding. Firemen say the home had been damaged in two to three prior fires.
This fire was confined to a bedroom. Elliston was already outside on a porch when the fire department arrived at 8:31 Saturday morning.
Initial reports indicate some type of firebomb was thrown into the home. It is not clear what may have been used to start the fire, but officials say the fire was an ‘obvious’ arson.
Investigators have developed a suspect who may have been upset with Elliston.
All available shifts of Centralia City Firemen were called in to help fight the fire. They reported a quick knockdown. Firemen were on the scene for about an hour.
Centralia Fire Investigator Jordan Parson took samples to be sent to the lab to try and determine what may have been used to start the fire.
Centralia Fire Investigator Jordan Parson gathers evidence following a Saturday morning fire that damaged a recently condemned home on South Marion Street. Photo by Tim Ferguson.
