By Nick Draper
Idaho Falls Post Register
Copyright 2007 The Post Register
All Rights Reserved
IDAHO FALLS, Idaho — Officials aren’t sure what caused a house fire Wednesday night in Idaho Falls.
When fire crews arrived to the blaze, which started at about 9:30 p.m. at 925 Jefferson Ave., they saw homeowner Darrell Moss lighting a fire outside his home, according to a police report.
The 57-year-old was naked and had red Magic Marker writing all over his chest and legs, with one drawing depicting a heart with an arrow through it, the report stated.
Fire personnel tried to get Moss away from the house because ammunition was going off inside, but he wouldn’t cooperate and started fighting with police.
Authorities had to restrain Moss by strapping him to an ambulance backboard, the report said.
He was later taken to Eastern Idaho Regional Medical Center - where he was combative with medical staff - and treated for smoke inhalation.
He remains hospitalized and listed in fair condition.
Police continue to investigate the incident and haven’t charged Moss, who according to the report had been in the hospital recently to receive treatment for mental problems.
A neighbor reported the fire after seeing smoke coming out of the roof, front and back doors of the house.
A report from the Idaho Falls Fire Department said the fire ignited in one of the main bedrooms on the ground floor.
Crews contained the fire in that same bedroom, but not before it caused extensive smoke damage to the main floor.
The blaze caused an estimated $75,000 worth of damage to the home.