WGEM.com: Quincy News, Weather, Sports, and RadioBurlington man sought police OK to burn house
BURLINGTON, Iowa (AP) -- A Burlington man who asked for and was denied permission from police to burn down his house has been charged with arson.
Actionland Camper Sales and Services owner Kenneth Dix was charged Wednesday with second-degree arson and first-degree criminal mischief. The home of the 65-year-old Dix burned Oct. 26, 2009.
Authorities say before the house burned, Dix allegedly spoke to a Des Moines County Sheriff's deputy regarding problems Dix was having with his wife. Dix reportedly asked the deputy if it was illegal to burn his own house.
Court papers indicate the lawman advised Dix it's only a crime if he intended to claim a loss on his insurance. Authorities say Dix told the deputy to call the fire department and hung up. Minutes later, dispatchers fielded reports of a house fire.
The Iowa State Fire Marshal's Office ruled the fire an arson.
