Family tension erupts in alleged arson at Marion home

Apparent tension between family members resulted in a camper fire that left one man behind bars.

Christopher Martin Klett, 44, of Marion, is charged with felony criminal endangerment after an alleged incident Wednesday.

According to charging documents filed in Flathead County District Court, Martin Klett, who resides at Lower Lost Prairie Road near Marion, called 911 and reported Christopher Klett allegedly tried to burn his camper with a propane torch.

When a Flathead County Sheriff’s Office deputy arrived, Martin Klett alleged he was asleep in the camper when he awoke to Christopher Klett pointing a torch at him, then burning the camper door.

Deputies found Christopher Klett on a cot in the garage and propane torch on the garage floor. Martin Klett claimed the torch was the same one used to start the fire.

A deputy reported Christopher Klett allegedly said he used the torch to light the camper on fire.

Christopher Klett made his initial appearance in court Friday.