Arson Likely Cause of Jerome House Fire

Police say the fire started in the 200 block of 8th Avenue East after 8 a.m. Sunday morning. Neighbor Sonnie Lutrell called 911 while her husband Forest Luttrell and his friend Jeremy Lindsley went to the rescue of the home's resident.

That person, who police describe as elderly, was not aware that the home was on fire. Fire crews arrived on scene and were able to extinguish the blaze within about 15 minutes, but the house was a total loss.

The American Red Cross is helping the displaced homeowner, who was not hurt in the fire.

The Jerome City Fire Department, Jerome City Police Department and the Idaho State Fire Marshal's Office investigated hoew the blaze began, classifying it as "suspicious." Police say they believe the fire was intentionally set.

Anyone with information is asked to call SIRCOMM at 324-1911.