By Samantha Wohlfeil
BELLINGHAM – What initially sounded like an arson at a vacant house on Primrose Lane turned out to be a small fire set and extinguished by two transient people apparently living in the house, according to Bellingham Police.
Reports of visible flames and smoke first came across the police scanner at about 9:47 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 22.
Firefighters responded, but when they tried to enter the house, a transient man tried to block the door, Bellingham Police Sgt. Shawn Aiumu said.
Officers arrived and arrested the man for obstructing law enforcement, Aiumu said.
The small fire was out by the time firefighters entered the house.
Apparently the man and a transient woman were living in the abandoned house. They had brought in a few shopping carts filled with their things, Aiumu said.
The man claimed the woman started the fire, and he put it out, but the woman claimed the man started the fire and she put it out, Aiumu said.
No serious damage was reported.
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