Man Arrested After Setting Fire Outside Salina Red Lobster

SALINA, KS — A 45-year-old man was arrested Monday after allegedly starting a fire outside a Red Lobster restaurant in Salina, authorities said.
Emergency responders were dispatched to the Red Lobster at 2925 South Ninth Street at approximately 12:15 p.m. following reports of a fire near the building. Fire investigators, who were first to arrive at the scene, initially used the suspect's own beer to begin extinguishing the flames before firefighters arrived to put out the blaze completely.

The suspect, identified as Zachary Wallat of Salina, told authorities he had started the fire to stay warm. The fire was set under an awning by the restaurant's front entrance, which officials noted could have led to significant structural damage to the building.

The incident resulted in damage to a bench and concrete area outside the restaurant. Wallat was taken into custody and booked into the Saline County Jail.

No injuries were reported in the incident. The exact extent of the property damage has not been specified.