ARLINGTON –The woman arrested in connection with an explosive fire that destroyed a historic building in downtown Arlington is being held on $500,000 bail and faces a charge of first-degree arson.

Teresa Martinez, 53, who also goes by the name Teresa Casados, appeared before a judge Friday in Snohomish County Superior Court Friday via closed-ciruit television.

Court documents stated the fire at 2 Bits And More at 229 N. Olympic Ave. started after an argument before Martinez and her estranged husband. He reportedly was renting a non-permitted residence at the rear of the building.

The two were at the American Legion earlier in the evening when they started arguing, court documents stated. A few minutes after they left, she called her estranged husband and threatened to burn down his home.

Arlington detectives obtained evidence that confirmed the woman returned to the residence in a distinct vehicle just after 7 p.m. and left about five minutes later. The fire was discovered moments later, and the residence was ungulfed in flames.

Records show that Martinez has had several brushes with the law, including domestic violence and assault. She has also failed to appear in court at least 32 times, according to court records She faces a charge of first-degree arson and domestic violence.

The blaze destroyed the 2 Bits And More building causing an estimated $465,000 in damage. The storefront is now completely boarded up. No one was injured in the fire, but as many as 15 residents of adjacent apartments were displaced, with half of them provided temporary housing.

A benefit fundraiser will be held at Krosswalk Pub in Arlington on Saturday, November 12, to help Owner Dawn Ambler of 2 Bits And More, and her vendors, get back on their feet. A silent auction will run from 3-8 p.m. A taco feed starts at 4 p.m. A page has been set up for the benefit at http://www.facebook.com/2BitsBenefitPage.