MEDFORD, Ore. — A woman is behind bars for allegedly starting a fire that destroyed a home in west Medford on Tuesday afternoon.
Chief Eric Thompson with the Medford Fire Department says a call, reporting a fire on the porch of a home on Narregan Street, came in just after 2 p.m. He says the fire quickly extended from the porch into the attic and main portion of the house.
On Wednesday, Medford Police told NBC5 that 31-year-old Candice Hastings started the fire. MPD Lieutenant Don Lane says eye witnesses helped them find and arrest Hastings.
“As we continued with the investigation, talking to witnesses, they provided solid information… which led us to have probable cause to believe that she is the one that started the fire,” Lt. Lane said.
Police said two guinea pigs died in the flames, but the two residents were uninjured. She is now charged with arson, animal abuse, reckless burning and resisting arrest. Fire officials also confirmed that the house was completely destroyed.
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