This story courtesy of EastIdahoNews.com. It is used here with permission.

IDAHO FALLS — An Idaho Falls man who was arrested last week admitted he started a fire to get a hostage out of a home on Hoopes Avenue.

Eric Bagge, 40, was arrested for first-degree arson, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to deliver and resisting and obstructing an officer after arson investigators determined a fire was not accidental.

The Idaho Falls Police and Fire Departments responded to a fire near 12th street and Hoopes Avenue last Thursday night.

An Idaho Falls Police report shows that Bagge told officers he started bushes on fire with a lighter near some apartments. He told officers he was trying to keep everyone safe. Starting the fire was his way of getting someone out of a hostage situation, Bagge said.

There were four adults and one child inside the home at the time. Everyone got out safely and no injuries were reported.

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