An Iola man faces arson charges after his home burned in Iola Monday.
Loren Newkirk was arrested after firefighters were called to his home at about 3 p.m. Monday at 524 S. Kentucky St.
Firefighters arrived to find the home enveloped in smoke, and with flames burning in several rooms inside the structure, Fire Chief Corey Isbell said. The damage was so extensive inside the house that investigators are uncertain where it started, Isbell said.
Newkirk was inside the rental home at the time of the fire.
After a brief investigation, Iola police officers took him into custody on the arson charge, as well as for suspected possession of methamphetamine, Police Chief Jared Warner said.
He was not injured.
Despite the extensive damage, firefighters were able to get the flames knocked down in short order before it could spread.
Volunteers with the Allen County Volunteer Fire Department provided assistance as well.
“Everybody did a great job,” Isbell said. “They worked well together.”
Crews were on the scene until about 10 p.m. Monday.
