SALEM, OR (KPTV) -
A 62-year-old man trying to put out a house fire with a garden hose assaulted firefighters when they asked him to leave his burning home, police said.
Salem firefighters responded to the home at 1756 Plateau St. NE just before 2 p.m. Tuesday.
One of the homeowners, Garry Wiltsey, was inside and using a garden hose to try to put out the fire.
Firefighters said they tried to get Wiltsey to leave so they could fight the fire, but Wiltsey refused. According to police, Wiltsey then became combative and started to physically assault the firefighters.
Police said the fire is being considered suspicious in nature, but the official cause has not been determined. Another person who lives at the home was interviewed by detectives at the scene.
Wiltsey is facing charges of assault, interfering with a firefighter and animal neglect.
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