CHILLICOTHE, OH — A structure fire at a condemned home on Glencroft prompted a swift response from local authorities on December 24, 2024. Officers arrived to find that the fire was reportedly set intentionally.
According to the police report, bystanders indicated that someone had ignited the fire and remained in the vicinity. Upon arrival, Officer Ryan McCoy detected a strong smell of smoke and called the Chillicothe Fire Department for assistance.
As the investigation unfolded, officers observed Donald Carey exiting a fenced area of the property. He was detained and placed in handcuffs. A search of the condemned home revealed lingering smoke and a significant accumulation of trash, suggesting someone had been living there.
The Chillicothe Fire Department arrived on the scene but determined that no further action was necessary regarding the fire. Meanwhile, Sgt. Moore discovered a burn pile in the backyard that had already been extinguished. It appeared that Carey had been burning trash close to the condemned structure, which violated safety regulations.
Carey was issued a summons for open burning in violation of local ordinance 1521.05 (F) concerning recreational fires and outdoor fireplaces. He was informed of his court date set for January 3, 2025, and was released without incident.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire is ongoing.
