Trailer fire intentionally set: Criminal charges pending investigation

(Photo by Randy M. Cauthron) Dickinson Firefighters work to control a blaze at a trailer home in town which according to Anna Lappegard was deliberately set in an attempt to remove a condemned structure from the site. [Order this photo]

Fire and law enforcement officials continue to investigate the cause of a trailer fire, which they believe was intentionally set at 310 Second St. in Dickens.

Emergency crews were called out at around 3:30 p.m. Thursday. The fire destroyed a lead-in porch to the trailer.

Dickens City Council member Robert Lappegard purchased, or was in the process of purchasing, the property which is located across the street from his home in Dickens according to law enforcement officials on the scene.

Property loss is expected to be minimal because the trailer was condemned and the city wanted it removed by the end of the year according to Anna Lappegard, Robert's wife. Anna further explained that the fire was deliberately set in an attempt to begin removing the condemned structure from the site.

The matter was further complicated when questions arose regarding the property's rightful owner.

Lappegard presented a check for purchase he wrote for $1,800 according to officers on the scene, but had no official deed with him.

Anna explained that the trailer and lot were purchased from the daughter of the previous owner. The daughter has power of attorney.

The Lappegards may have been unaware of the laws and ordinances regarding structure burns in residential neighborhoods.

(Photo by Randy M. Cauthron) Dickens City Councilman Roberty Lappegard informed Clay County Sheriff's Deputy Duane Bates that the fire at 310 Second St. in Dickens was intentionally set. Charges are pending awaiting the state fire marshal's investigation. [Order this photo]

Charges are pending a state fire marshal office investigation. Authorities also are trying to confirm ownership of the property.

"We're trying to separate everything out right now and figure out what's right and what's wrong, I guess," said Dickens Fire Chief Randy Whalen.