Arson suspected in motel fire

PONDERAY — A fire at the Monarch Mountain Lodge on Sunday is being investigated as arson, according to Northside Fire officials.

"It appears to be an intentionally set fire," Northside Fire Chief Brad Mitton said on Monday.

There was evidence a flammable liquid was used and it appears there were witnesses, said Mitton, who declined to elaborate.

Ponderay police and Northside firefighters were summoned to the motel at 363 Bonner Mall Way at about 10 a.m.

Mitton said the fire started in the motel's laundry room and was kept from spreading to other parts of the building. A bystander with a fire extinguisher helped corral the fire, Mitton said.

There were no injuries.

The cost of damages was liberally estimated at up to $10,000, according to Mitton.