Mason City woman accused of starting fire at Family Aquatic Center pleads not guilty

MASON CITY — A Mason City woman accused of starting a fire at the Mason City Family Aquatic Center earlier this month has pleaded not guilty.

The Mason City Fire Department says they were called at about 8:40 AM on August 1st 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’s arraignment hearing was scheduled for Monday in Cerro Gordo County District Court, but last week she filed a written plea of not guilty. Her trial is scheduled to start on September 30th.