Residents arrested after arson in semi-detached house that led to total damage

Cotter, AR. – A woman was recently arrested following a fire in a duplex on Friday, August 23, 2024, which resulted in a total loss. 73-year-old Barbara Flippin is charged with a misdemeanor count of arson.

According to the Baxter County Sheriff's Office report, Baxter County 911 was called after they received a fire report about 1339 Harding Boulevard just before 3:15 p.m. According to a deputy, Flippin stated she was just trying to cook, but then held her hands out and held her wrists together. Cotter Mayor Mac Caradine was on the scene and told the deputy that Flippin allegedly said she wanted to burn the house down. The Cotter Fire Department was reportedly called to three other fires at the duplex earlier that week.

Advertising

Personnel from the Cotter, Gassville and Cotter and Gassville Rural Fire Departments were on scene for nearly two and a half hours. One of the firefighters reportedly had to be transported to Baxter Health due to overheating while fighting the fire. Several neighbors in the area lost power due to the fire. In addition to the total loss, a portion of US Highway 62B in Cotter had to be closed.

Barbara Flippin remains in custody and is being held without bail.

Advertising