House fire investigated for arson

By JACKIE LEATHERMAN
Today's News-Herald
Published Saturday, December 3, 2011 3:06 AM MST

A home sprinkler system extinguished a bedroom fire before the fire department arrived Friday morning, but now authorities are investigating possible arson and one person was charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

Officials are investigating whether a house fire was arson. Jackie Leatherman/News-Herald Photo

The Lake Havasu City Fire Department responded to a fire alarm at 8:18 a.m. in the 3100 block of Crestview Dr. Arriving engine crews found the unoccupied house filled with smoke. Upon entry through the front door, they discovered sprinklers had extinguished a fire that began in the master bedroom, said Battalion Chief Mike Quijada.

But during the response, fire officials were alerted to “suspicious materials,” possibly drug-related, inside a closet, Quijada said.

Lake Havasu City Police Department Sgt. Joe Harrold said when police entered the home, they found a methamphetamine pipe and other “drug-related items in plain view.”

After “drafting a search warrant,” police found other drug-related items.

Harrold said the drug investigation is complete and left one of the residents, Kip Rapp, charged with possession of drug paraphernalia.

But officials are continuing an ongoing arson investigation, he said.

The Western Arizona Humane Society also searched for a dog that escaped from the home during the commotion.

You may contact the reporter at jleatherman@havasunews.com