McAdoo woman faces arson charge

Police have charged a McAdoo woman who allegedly attempted to set fire to her home in early September.

Deborah A. Gulash, 48, is accused of attempting to burn down her home on the 200 block of East Washington Street.

She also reportedly injured herself with a butcher knife during the incident.

Police filed charges after a state police fire marshal determined that the fire was intentionally set.

Firefighters initially responded to the home Sept. 3 for a reported house fire.

A neighbor had smelled smoke coming from the home, and yelled to Gulash to get out. Gulash reportedly said she had put out the fire and there was nothing to worry about.

Another neighbor told police they saw Gulash run out of the house shortly after in a nightgown covered in blood. Police located her nearby and transported to a hospital for her injuries.

In an interview with police, she said the fire was accidental. She said she was using a heat gun to remove paint from molding. She said some towels ignited, but she thought she had put them out.

She told police that she panicked and fled the house because she had been using methamphetamine.

A state police fire marshal reported that someone attempted to set fire in the living room, basement steps, first floor steps and rear bedroom. They assessed the damage at about $15,000.

Gulash has been charged with one count each of arson and causing or risking a catastrophe, both felonies, and related charges. She was arraigned Nov. 28 and released on $10,000 unsecured bail.