Mason City woman arrested on arson charge after fire at Mason City Family Aquatic Center

MASON CITY — A Mason City woman is in jail on an arson charge after allegedly starting a fire at the Mason City Family Aquatic Center.

The Mason City Fire Department says they were called at about 8:40 Friday morning to the center, where they found a small outside fire that was quickly extinguished. New graffiti was noted by firefighters along with liquids poured on the concrete.

A criminal complaint accuses 47-year-old Erin Gansen of starting a fire next to the door of the pool house entrance. The complaint also says Gansen put motor oil outside of the chemical house, and used super glue and put it in the locks of the doors.

Gansen was arrested a short time after the incident and booked into the Cerro Gordo County Jail on charges of first-degree arson, a Class B felony, as well as possession of marijuana and fourth-degree criminal mischief.

Gansen is being held on a total of $25,000 cash-only bond. She’s due in court for her preliminary hearing this coming Friday.