VIRGINIA — A woman allegedly told police that she set fire to her home because it was infested with “parasites, rats and snakes.”

Samantha Rae Drift, 35, made a series of erratic statements after the blaze at 121 Third St. N. on Sept. 13, according to court filings. She was charged in State District Court last week with first-degree arson.

A criminal complaint says firefighters and officers were called to the residence just before 3:30 p.m. A caller indicated the upstairs was on fire, the front door was open, and it was unclear if anyone was inside.

Fire crews from Virginia, Eveleth, Mountain Iron and Hibbing were able to contain and extinguish a small fire, with no injuries reported. Virginia Fire Marshal Stephanie Smith indicated it appeared flammable materials had been used to intent

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