Photo supplied, Layton Fire Department

LAYTON — Prosecutors on Monday filed a first-degree felony aggravated arson charge against an apartment resident after a fire last week that started in his couch forced the displacement of occupants of 14 units in the building.

Firefighters found Shaun Aaron Gale’s apartment engulfed in flames at 8:34 a.m. Thursday, but crews were able to contain the blaze to that unit. However, other apartments were damaged, according to the Layton Fire Department.

In charging documents filed in 2nd District Court in Farmington, the Davis County Attorney’s Office said other units at 2955 N. Hill Field Road sustained smoke and water damage and the residents are in temporary housing while the investigation and repairs are conducted.

An apartment maintenance worker told Layton police that he tried to put out the fire with an extinguisher after Gale told him his couch was one fire. Gale, who said he tried to put out the fire before calling for help, was taken to a hospital with burns and other minor injuries.

Gale, 41, told police he went to the bathroom and when he returned to the living room, the couch was on fire. He said he did not know what caused the fire, adding that the couch “combusted.”

Photo suplied, Layton Fire Department

Gale then said he went to the store earlier Thursday morning and bought a torch-style lighter. “I don’t like that sofa,” Gale allegedly told officers. Asked why, he reportedly said he “always hallucinates” when he sits on it.

Gale said he has been treated for schizophrenia and other mental conditions and that he uses methamphetamine, most recently the night before the fire.

Prosecutors asked that Gale be held in jail without bail pending trial on the grounds that he poses a danger to himself and others if he continues to consume illegal narcotics and suffers further mental health problems.

Gale had no attorney of record as of Monday afternoon.

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