A man from Altoona has been arrested after he called 911 to report a house fire that he allegedly started while attempting to get rid of spiders in his home. The incident occurred on Thursday night when emergency services responded to the call made by 42-year-old Joshua Jenkins.

• According to the complaint, Jenkins was uncooperative with first responders and made it difficult for them to locate the actual fire. He admitted to using a propane torch to burn spiders and spider nests outside his house.

  During the incident, Jenkins allegedly tried to prevent firefighters from entering his home. Eventually, an officer had to physically guide him to the backyard. Jenkins told the police that he used the torch because he was tired of dealing with spiders and bugs. Investigators discovered burn marks on both the exterior and interior of the house. They also found the torch hidden in a toolbox, and the door to the attic was taped shut, emitting a strong smell of smoke when opened.

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  Joshua Jenkins (BCP)

• Fire officials stated that if Jenkins hadn’t called 911, the house could have burned down and potentially caused damage to the neighboring commercial building. Jenkins is now facing charges of arson, risking a catastrophe, possession of an instrument of crime, tampering with evidence, and other related offenses.

• LISTEN HERE:

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