Cedar Rapids man lit fire in flood-damaged home's toilet, police say

A Cedar Rapids man is accused of starting two fires inside a flood-damaged house after salvaging copper and aluminum without permission, authorities said.

Bobby J. Blair, 23, is charged with second-degree arson for the fire at 314 E Ave. NW on Sept. 30. A passerby reported flames coming from the second-floor window around 1:15 p.m., and police arrived to find Blair still there.

According to court documents, Blair poured lighter fluid into a toilet on the second floor and tossed burning paper into it. Firefighters found a second fire in the kitchen.

No one was hurt and damage was limited.

Fire Department spokesman Greg Buelow said Blair originally told investigators he had permission to take the metal from the house from owner Steve Demeulenaere, but that was later determined to be untrue.