LEWISTON – An 82-year-old Lewiston man is facing a felony arson charge after investigators linked him to a series of fires in Lewiston and Culdesac earlier this month, according to court documents.
Carl D. Vulgamore has been charged with one count of arson in the third degree. Court documents allege that Vulgamore’s maroon Chevrolet pickup was seen at or near the scenes of five separate fire incidents between August 3 and August 9, 2025.
Three of the fires were on a hillside off 8th Avenue, between 15th Street and 16th Street in Lewiston. There were also three suspicious fires, all within a quarter mile of each other, in the Culdesac area on the evening of August 8th.
The court documents say Vulgamore’s pickup can be seen on surveillance video arriving at the scene, stopping for a short time, and then leaving just before each Lewiston fire broke out on August 5, 6 and 9. His pickup was also allegedly captured on video nearby when two of the suspicious fires were reported in the Culdesac area.
Witnesses also reported seeing an older male with gray or white hair and a goatee driving a truck matching Vulgamore’s near some of the ignition sites.
During a search of Vulgamore’s vehicle, officers allegedly found paper towels—some crumpled and stored under a pillow on the front seat—and a long wand-style lighter. Vulgamore told police he used the paper towels to wipe his hands and used the lighter while camping. He also denied starting any of the fires.
The documents note that Vulgamore appeared coherent, aware, and able to answer questions logically during interviews. Investigators allege his statements were inconsistent with witness accounts, video footage, and physical evidence.
The fires posed what investigators described as a “significant risk to public safety.” In the court documents, investigators recommend a higher bond, citing the repeated nature of the fires, the danger to the community, and the absence of any reasonable explanation for Vulgamore’s presence at the scenes.
Authorities said no natural or accidental ignition sources were found at the fire sites, and the circumstances were consistent with arson.
Vulgamore remained in custody at the Nez Perce County Jail as of Tuesday morning. As he is suspected in multiple fires, and in different jurisdictions, more charges may be pending.
Vulgamore appeared in court on Tuesday; bond was set at $100,000.