Amid all of the floods, earthquakes, hurricanes and other natural disasters that have struck around the world in recent weeks, the arrest of a Lawrence man Tuesday in connection with a local fire that killed three people is a reminder of the deadly havoc humans also can wreak.

No details were available Tuesday about why or how Friday’s fire at Boardwalk Apartments might have been started, but evidence in the case apparently was sufficient to lead to the arrest of a 20-year-old Lawrence man on one count of aggravated arson and three counts of first-degree murder.

What would motivate such an action is beyond the imagination of most people, but if it is found that this deadly fire was intentionally set, there isn’t likely to be any sympathy for the perpetrator. Fire and law enforcement officials deserve congratulations for a relatively quick arrest in the case. Every effort should be made to ensure that the person or persons responsible for this tragedy are brought to justice.