(Le Mars) — Fire officials responded to a house fire Sunday evening at 36 3rd Avenue Northeast. The alarm was reported shortly after 9:00 p.m. When fire officials arrived on the scene, smoke could be seen coming from the 1 1/2 story building. Five different people were renting and living at the home at the time. Each were able to escape the house fire with no injuries. Fire Chief Dave Schipper says fire crews were able to contain the fire within a few minutes.
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The fire did an estimated $10,000 worth of damage. The origin of the fire was confined to a small bathroom located on the main floor. However, the fire chief says the cause of the fire was determined to be arson.
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The Le Mars Police have charged 29 year old Sarah Smith with first degree arson, a class B felony. Smith was arrested Sunday evening and taken to the Plymouth County jail. Assisting at the scene were the Le Mars Police Department, Le Mars Ambulance, MidAmerican Energy and the American Red Cross.
