A Missouri man has been charged with arson after witnesses reported seeing him “watching” and “laughing” as a house went up in flames.

The Independence Fire Department announced via a Facebook post that firefighters responded to a blaze on the morning of November 20. Fortunately, the occupants of the house escaped unharmed, and an investigation into the fire was launched. Per a probable cause affidavit obtained by Law&Crime, 35-year-old Tylor A. Burghoff was apprehended by the Independence Police Department just a couple of blocks away from the scene. A witness had reportedly seen a man matching Burghoff’s description “watching the fire and laughing.”

Upon detaining Burghoff, police officers discovered two lighters in his pants pockets. He was subsequently taken to the police station, where detectives questioned him after advising him of his rights. Burghoff, however, denied being present at the house or having any involvement with the fire.

The affidavit highlights that multiple witnesses placed Burghoff at the scene, including two individuals who were inside the burning home. The homeowner, who recognized Burghoff, recounted to police that she saw him outside that fateful morning, “yelling and laughing while he was outside.”

Another witness from inside the home reported seeing Burghoff on the porch, allegedly holding a “blue metal can” resembling a gas can. She stated that Burghoff was “knocking on the door,” but no one allowed him inside. While he continued to yell, the witness did not actually see him ignite the fire.

Two more people who were sleeping inside the house did not see what happened before the fire started.

Despite being told that multiple people saw him at the home that morning, Burghoff still denied that he was there.

None of the occupants were injured in the fire, and the inside of the house did not have any fire damage, according to police.

Burghoff was charged with arson and booked into the Jackson County Detention Center. He is being held on $30,000 bond. His next court dates are a bond hearing on Tuesday and a preliminary hearing on Dec. 18.