Idaho Falls, ID – This morning at 9:05 a.m. the Idaho Falls Emergency Dispatch Center received a call from a man reporting a fire in a guest room at the Motel 6 at 1448 W Broadway. Idaho Falls Police and Idaho Falls Fire both responded to the fire. 

Two Idaho Falls Police officers were nearby and were able to respond quickly to the hotel, arriving at 9:06 and 9:07 a.m., respectively. Officers were able to locate the room on the second floor and gain entry where they found a pile of bath towels on fire in the room. An officer picked up the towels and carried them to the bathroom where he was able to quickly extinguish the fire in the bathtub.

An Idaho Falls Fire Department ladder truck, two engines, three ambulance and a Battalion Chief also responded to the hotel. Nearby rooms were temporarily evacuated while IFFD ensured that the fire had not spread. Efforts are underway to clear out smoke and guests are back in their rooms.

Richard Miller, a 44-year-old male, was the sole occupant of the room. Miller has been arrested for First Degree Arson, Felony Possession of a Controlled Substance, and Misdemeanor Possession of a Controlled Substance. Miller was uninjured in the fire and will be taken to the Bonneville County Jail.

Media Contacts:  Jessica Clements, Public Information Officer, Idaho Falls Police Department, (208) 612-8655, [email protected].  Kerry Hammon, Public Information Officer, Idaho Falls Fire Department, (208) 612-8122, [email protected]. 

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