(COLUMBUS, Ohio) — The Division of State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau (FEIB) is seeking tips from the public regarding an intentionally set fire at a home in Chillicothe (Ross County).
The fire was reported shortly after midnight on Nov. 19 when two passersby discovered fire on the front porch of 26717 Old U.S. 35 and pounded on a window to alert the two occupants inside, who were able to safely escape. No one was injured during the fire.
Fire Departments from Liberty and Harrison townships responded to the fire, which originated on the front porch and side of the home. The structure suffered a few thousand dollars’ worth of damage, destroying a portion of the porch and some of the home’s siding.
“The public can often serve as an extra set of eyes and ears on nearly any case we investigate,” said FEIB Chief Josh Hobbs. “Any information we receive can be vital in helping us piece an investigation together.”
A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered by the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person or persons responsible for the fire.
Anyone with information is encouraged to call the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728.
