North Fork man burns neighbor's buildings

A North Fork man faces a charge of felony arson after he allegedly set a neighbor’s yurt and outhouse on fire.

According to court documents, the dispute started late last month between neighbors Kent Johnson and Greg Knutson.

On Sept. 27, Johnson allegedly approached Knutson’s vehicle and started screaming at him. Johnson allegedly punched Knutson several times through an open window. Knutson’s friend, Devon Kent, was in the truck at the time of the assault.

Two days later, Johnson got a report that his yurt and outhouse on Numa Peak Lane had been burned to the ground.

Flathead County Sheriff’s Detective Pat Walsh then investigated the arson and Johnson complained to him that Knutson had committed building violations. According to a source, Johnson apparently felt that the outhouse Knutson built was too close to Johnson’s well.

Walsh asked Johnson if he had burned down the structures and according to court documents, Johnson told Walsh, “I told you I’d never lie to you, I did burn him out.”

Knutson estimated the damage at $30,000. In addition to the arson charge, Johnson was charged with misdemeanor assault for punching Knutson. Johnson is a longtime North Fork resident, but mostly kept to himself, neighbors said.