Opening statements began Thursday in the jury trial of Brianna D. Anderson, 34, of Fort Dodge, who is charged with first degree arson. Prosecutors accuse her of intentionally setting a fire in the basement of 304 S. 15th St. on July 13, 2024.

She was arrested and charged by the Fort Dodge Police Department in October.

During opening statements Thursday, Webster County Assistant County Attorney Bailey Taylor stated that Anderson told investigators that she “enjoyed setting fires,” found it “soothing,” and that she was also in the area at the time the fire was set. Anderson also had an ongoing relationship with a resident of the apartment house, Travis Tritten. Tritten has since died, though not due to the fire.

Taylor said that Anderson told investigators that she “didn’t care what happened to Travis” and that it was “lucky she didn’t do much worse.”

The defense deferred their opportunity to provide opening statements.

Jurors heard from Fort Dodge Police Sgt. Matthew Weir who was called to the scene of the fire in July. Weir stated that based on witness statements, it is believed that the fire was intentionally set.

Fort Dodge Fire Department Lt. Jon Schreck also testified that the fire was deemed to be intentionally set, testifying that trash, a pile of clothing, and miscellaneous debris had been set on fire in an area of the basement without electricity and with no appliances.

“Nothing in the area led us to believe the source of ignition was electrical,” testified Schreck. “With a lack of source of ignition, the fire did seem suspicious.”

Closing statements and jury instructions in the case are anticipated to begin at 9 a.m today at the Webster County Courthouse.