Home set for foreclosure burns, homeowner arrested

Sheriff’s deputies in Whatcom County have arrested the owner of a house that caught fire and burned Wednesday near Birch Bay.

Firefighters dispatched to the burning house found notes and at least one container of an accelerant and called the sheriff to assist.

“I think there was concern about weapons and ammunition being on the premises and kind of a suspicious circumstance to the whole thing,” said Whatcom County Undersheriff Jeff Parks.

The motive for the arson is not clear.

“Other than it appears he might be losing his property, that it might be under foreclosure and he’s had some other issues with animal control. The owner, Kenneth Cassell was convicted of running a puppy mill and was sentenced to jail last year.

Cassell was arrested Wednesday in Bellingham and booked for investigation of arson.