Authorities: Josh Powell Set Home On Fire

Published February 6, 2012 4:09AM (EST)

GRAHAM, Wash. (AP) — Authorities say the husband of a missing Utah woman intentionally set his home on fire Sunday, producing a scorching blaze that killed him and his two children.

Neighbors had reported hearing an explosion, but Pierce County sheriff's spokesman Ed Troyer said Josh Powell's home was destroyed by a fast-moving fire that blew out several windows and was aided by some sort of accelerant.

A social worker had brought the two boys to the house for what was to be a supervised visit, and Powell let his sons inside — but then blocked the social worker from entering, according to fire officials.

The social worker called her supervisors to report that she could smell gas. Moments later, the home erupted in flames.


By Salon Staff

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