A homeless man has been charged with second-degree arson after allegedly lighting a warming fire that destroyed a semi trailer.
According to the probable cause affidavit, first responders arrived at around 2:20 a.m. Wednesday at 1914 Fifth Ave. North after a report of a tractor-trailer on fire.
The fire was quickly extinguished by the Lewiston Fire Department and no one was found inside the trailer. Officers were notified of a man who smelled like smoke at the Dyna Mart about a block away. When law enforcement made contact with the man, later identified as 58-year-old Deb Proffit, he reportedly “smelled like a camp fire” and had burns on his lower back.
According to the probable cause affidavit, Proffit allegedly admitted that he climbed into a trailer in a tow yard and started a fire to keep warm.
He received medical attention at the St. Joseph Regional Medical Center for his burns.
The trailer valued at $12,000 was a total loss.
