A former tenant has been accused of starting a fire that destroyed a Beacon boarding house Tuesday Morning.

Officials say 56-year-old Brian Atkinson is facing charges that include arson.

The Beacon Fire Department received a call early Tuesday morning alerting them to a house fire at 923 Wolcott Ave.

Officials say that the building, which has been under construction and vacant, was fully engulfed in flames.

The house has been demolished, and there were no reported injuries. 

"The fire was so intense that the heat transmitted over to the neighboring houses, and melted the houses,” says Beacon Fire Chief Gary Van Voorhis.

Atkinson is currently waiting to be arraigned in Beacon City Court.