Man burns down parents' house, kills pets while trying to exterminate ants

A Maine man burned down his parents' house and killed three pets while trying to exterminate ants in his basement with matches..

OLD ORCHARD BEACH, Maine – Maine's state fire marshal says a man burned down his parents' house and killed three pets while trying to exterminate ants in his basement with matches.

Investigators say 21-year-old Devon Doucette was trying to incinerate the ants with wooden matches when one of them ignited combustible materials. The fire quickly spread to the rest of the house.

Authorities say Doucette was treated for smoke inhalation and burns after he carried some burning items out of the house. They say the house is owned by his parents, who were not home at the time.

Authorities say the fire killed two cats and one dog. They say charges are not likely.