Quick, if you were planning on committing arson, and needed to select the perfect song to play at the scene of the fire to help ensure you didn't get caught, what would it be?

I would definitely not pick "Light My Fire" or "Burning Down the House", that's for sure. I'd probably go with Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start the Fire." It makes the most sense.

That is exactly the song choice a Duluth, Minnesota landlord allegedly decided to go with prior to torching his own apartment building last week.

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37-year-old Travis Lee Carlson of Duluth is being charged with first-degree-arson after being accused of burning down his own apartment building with the song "We Didn't Start the Fire" playing at the scene of the blaze, from inside one of the apartment units on the upstairs floor of the complex.

Dakota News Now is reporting that fire investigators claim to have found a hole that was drilled in the gas tank of Carlson's truck, along with a drill laying nearby at the scene. In addition, there were also a number of gas cans found around the truck as well.

The evidence of arson gets even more damning, as investigators found the electrical panel located in the basement of the complex had a series of wires that were pulled out. And a number of areas on the floor of the upstairs apartment unit had what appears to be some sort of a burned green-colored accelerant that was also staining several pieces of furniture, along with flooring, and walls.

One of the tenants in the building also claims to have woken up and heard the sound of Carlson smashing glass and breaking things right before the fire started. He then says, Carlson knocked on the door of his apartment and told him, "The house is on fire."

Dakota News Now reports a nearby neighbor who ended up calling 911 to report the fire, also claims to have seen Carlson wearing a helmet and smashing out his own windows.

The police report states that Carlson was taken into custody the next day. At the time of his arrest, he was said to have a series of fresh burn wounds on his arms and legs.

Carlson is being held on a $75,000 bond, and according to Dakota News Now is facing up to 20 years in prison if he is found guilty.

Source: Dakota News Now

10 Smallest Towns In Minnesota 2022

Minnesota is the Land Of 10,000 Lakes and 853 towns. Even if you know the state well I'll bet you haven't even heard of Minnesota's 10 smallest towns.

Dives Worth a Drive in South Dakota, Iowa and Minnesota

Almost every small South Dakota town has a watering hole. It’s where the locals go to kick back a few brews and engage in conversation.

Some of these establishments are located in buildings almost as old as the town itself. There might be a fresh coat of paint on the walls or new vinyl on the booth seats, but the ambiance is still reminiscent of a good ol’ dive.

If you think a "dive" is all about the sketchy clientele, the smell of the Devil’s lettuce, and stale Grain Belt, you’d be wrong. Not every dive has a bad reputation.

What makes a dive, a dive?

A dive has character. Neon beer signs and local memorabilia adorn the walls.

You might find a pool table, dart board, and a few video lottery machines.

The bartender knows the regulars by name and they know what you drink.

Some dives don't even serve food except for bags of chips and pickled eggs that sit in a jar of brine on the bar.

Dives aren't fancy. You might see 70's-style wood panels on the walls and wobbly tables leveled with a folded napkin.

Finally, the bathrooms. The bathrooms in dives are in a class by themselves and could be a whole topic on its own. 

There are several small-town dives in our area with friendly faces, cheap booze with a burn, and even really good food! We use the term "dive" in the most affectionate way.

Here are some of the best and why you should go there.