Investigators seek public help in suspicious Lucasville fires
The scene of a fire at 542A Burns Hollow Road. (Submitted photos)
Investigators with the Ohio Department of Commerce Division of State Fire Marshal (SFM) consider two recent fires in Lucasville (Scioto County) to be suspicious and believe they are connected. Investigators with SFM’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau are now seeking tips from the public to help identify individuals who may be responsible.
On Aug. 7, the Jefferson Township Fire Department responded to a structure fire at 542A Burns Hollow Rd. Three days later, on Aug. 10, the Jefferson Township Fire Department responded to a fire at 898 Burns Left Fork Rd.
Both structures are considered total losses due to the amount of damage sustained. No one was injured.
The cause of the fires remains under investigation; however, investigators believe they are connected due to their close proximity to one another (approximately one mile), the fact that the fires occurred within three days of each other, and that the residences belong to members of the same family.
In the event the fires are ruled arson, a reward of $5,000 will be offered by the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Anyone with information is urged to contact the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728. Callers can remain anonymous, and all tips will be thoroughly investigated. Individuals with information can also contact the Scioto County Sheriff’s Office or the Jefferson Township Fire Department.
The Division of State Fire Marshal is part of the Ohio Department of Commerce. To learn more about, visit com.ohio.gov.
Publisher's note: A free press is critical to having well-informed voters and citizens. While some news organizations opt for paid websites or costly paywalls, The Highland County Press has maintained a free newspaper and website for the last 25 years for our community. If you would like to contribute to this service, it would be greatly appreciated. Donations may be made to: The Highland County Press, P.O. Box 849, Hillsboro, Ohio 45133. Please include "for website" on the memo line.