POULSBO, Wash. -- Police said a Poulsbo-area veterinary hospital was set on fire by a former employee Tuesday night.

Fire crews were called out to the Big Valley Animal Care Clinic in the 25000 block of Big Valley Road just after 7 p.m.

When crews arrived, the west building of the animal care complex was engulfed in smoke and flames. Fire crews managed to quickly gain control of the fire, without the fire extending to the other parts of the clinic where most of the animals are housed.

Kitsap County Sheriff's Deputy Scott Wilson said a 52-year-old man allegedly set the fire and then went to a house in East Bremerton where he called 911 and admitted to setting the fire. The man was arrested soon thereafter.

Fire investigators said the man is a disgruntled former employee of the clinic.

Fire crews said there were no injuries, but one cat died.

The suspect was arraigned Wednesday in Kitsap County Superior Court and charged with first-degree arson. He pleaded not guilty and the judge kept the original bail bond of $250,000.