UPDATE
During the joint investigation into the cause of the fire, police and RCFD fire investigators determined the fire was suspicious in nature. A review of security camera footage from the neighborhood showed a tan colored SUV leave the residence as smoke could be observed coming from the house. The suspect vehicle was found to belong to 54-year-old Amy Couture of Rapid City. It was also determined Couture had sent threatening messages to a resident of the home prior to the fire. A search warrant was obtained for Couture’s residence. Couture was located inside her residence, and police noted the smell of gasoline coming from Couture’s person as she was detained. She was subsequently placed under arrest for Second Degree Arson before being transported to the Pennington County Jail.
ORIGINAL STORY
The Rapid City Fire Department responded to a structure fire in the 60 block of Saint Charles Street at around 4:30 p.m yesterday. Upon arrival, heavy smoke was visible from afar. Firefighters quickly contained the blaze, which affected both the main residence and a detached garage. Hazards including a downed power line were encountered during the fire fighting efforts. RCFD reported that no one was home at the time of the blaze, three animals escaped safely and no injuries were reported. The cause of the fire remains under investigation. Responding units included Truck 1, Battalion 1, Engines 4 and 7, Medic Units 3 and 4, Squad 1, and Hazmat 6.
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