[1]Windsor Avenue in north Centralia. / Courtesy photo by Riverside Fire Authority
By Sharyn L. Decker
Lewis County Sirens news reporter
CHEHALIS – A 19-year-old man was arrested for arson last night after a fire that heavily damaged the upstairs unit of a duplex in north Centralia.
Firefighters called just before 9 p.m. to the 1200 block of Windsor Avenue found smoke rising from the roof vents and blackened second-story windows, according to Riverside Fire Authority.
The first-floor unit was occupied at the time but everyone was able to get out safely without injury, according to authorities.
The fire department describes the structure as a house converted to a duplex.
Centralia police say they found Kyle T. Rasmussen Jr. a short distance away waiting for a taxi. He had recently been living in the duplex, according to the Centralia Police Department.
Firefighters extended a hose line to the upper level via an outside staircase to extinguish the fire, according to Fire Capt. Scott Weinert.
They were assisted by members of the Chehalis Fire Department and were on scene about four hours, according to Weinert.
Centralia police this morning indicate in a brief summary of events they believe Rasmussen intentionally set the fire. He was booked into the Lewis County Jail for first-degree arson.