The police are investigating reports of arson that occurred on Saturday at Kingsley Village, West Coast Berbice.
Treasha James, a 19-year-old unemployed woman is the main suspect. She is said to be of unsound mind.
Police said the house belonged to Jean Harte who is the mother-in-law of James.
Around 10:00 hrs on Saturday, Harte was at home when James ran upstairs and told her that she had set fire to the mattress in the bedroom.
The woman ran downstairs, saw smoke, and immediately disconnected the gas bottle. Both of them then ran out of the building as the fire quickly spread in the bedroom.
The fire service was summoned and upon arrival extinguished the fire. However, by this time, the building was gutted.
James was later arrested. She is presently in custody at Weldaad Police Station.