A 12-year-old boy has been arrested on suspicion of intentionally starting a house fire in Billings that sent six people to hospitals early Tuesday morning, according to the Billings Police Department.
A "joint investigation" determined the fire had been intentionally set, according to a press release issued Wednesday afternoon by BPD Lt. Dave Cardillo.
Investigators eventually "identified, interviewed and subsequently arrested" a 12-year-old boy on suspicion that he started the fire intentionally, the release says.
The case has been turned over to the Yellowstone County Attorney's Office and the boy remains in custody with youth services, according to the release.
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The fire on the 2100 block of Yellowstone Avenue was initially reported at 1:08 a.m., after an occupant called 911 after being woken up by the fire. All six people inside the house were able to escape the home and firefighters quickly extinguished the flames.
In all, four adults and two children were taken to local hospitals to be treated for smoke inhalation and burns. One child was flown to Salt Lake City Children's Hospital and was listed in stable condition, according to the press release.
Three adults and another child had been released as of 1 p.m., Tuesday, Billings Fire Department Deputy Fire Marshal Andrew McLain said.
Three dogs, three kittens and six guinea pigs were also in the house. Speaking after the fire, BFD Battalion Chief Ed Regele said the animals appeared to be doing fine.