NEWTON, Iowa — Newton woman who allegedly set her house on fire and called it her “Independence Day” was arrested on arson charges.

Earlier this week, 48-year-old Kelly Durrett Elder was arrested by the Newton Police Department and charged with first-degree arson, a class B felony, according to court records.

The incident took place Sept. 29 around 1:15 p.m. at a home located in the 700 block of North 9th Avenue E. in Newton, according to court records. Newton PD received a call from a man who said his girlfriend, who also resided at the property, was causing a disturbance, court records state.

Authorities arrived on scene and met the boyfriend in a neighboring yard, during this time Durrett Elder was shouting at both parties from the home. The boyfriend told Newton PD that Durrett Kelly had started a fire in the home which he had extinguished before authorities arrived, according to court documents.

Court records state that when authorities went over to talk to Durrett Elder she had black soot covering her face, teeth, and arms and officers could smell that a fire had taken place inside the home. Authorities say that she was agitated and openly admitted to starting a fire several times, according to court records.

Court records show that an officer asked Durrett Elder “What if the house would have became fully engulfed?” and she responded “Oh well, this is my Independence Day just like the Martina McBride song.”

According to court records, authorities and investigators who entered the home found significant fire and smoke damage from two separate fires, one set in the living room and another in the kitchen.

Durrett Elder was being held at the Jasper County Jail but posted bail on Wednesday. She is scheduled to appear in court on Monday.