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In Ulster County, emergency crews in Saugerties were called at around 1:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 24, with reports of a fire burning in the backyard of a home near the Glasco Turnpike and Town Road.
When police and firefighters arrived, they found an uncontrolled fire burning approximately 20 to 30 feet away from the side of a house, Saugerties Police said.
Flames grew so intense that the home’s siding had begun to melt.
The suspect, Nicholas Mitchell, told investigators that he had set fire to a large pile of construction debris.
He suffered burns while attempting to extinguish the fire after it got out of control, police said.
After being evaluated by medics, Mitchel was arrested on charges of fourth-degree arson.
Saugerties Police did not say whether Mitchel had any connection to the home.
They noted that the incident is still under investigation and additional charges are possible.
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