WBIW.com News - local

Brought to you by WBIW News and Network Indiana

$5,000 Reward For Information In Suspected Washington Arson

Last updated on Friday, February 22, 2013

(WASHINGTON) - The state Fire Marshal’s Office is offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to an arrest in a fire that injured two Washington firefighters.

Nate Smith, of the Washington Times Herald reports, the state office and the local police and fire departments are asking for help that will lead to an arrest in the Jan. 14 fire at 1500 Jackson Street.

According to a release from the fire marshal's office, the fire caused $63,000 worth of damage.

There were no utilities connected to the house, and investigators believe the fire was intentionally set.

According to an earlier report, the fire was first reported at 3:03 a.m. on Jan. 14. Off-duty firefighters were called in to assist, and the blaze was officially under control by 3:56 a.m.

Two city firefighters, Matt Pride and Dwayne Murphy, were injured while fighting the fire. Both were taken to Daviess Community Hospital for sprains and were later treated and released. Both firefighters returned to work soon after treatment.

Washington Fire Chief David Rhoads said last month the fire was started in the living room of the house, owned by Joe Williams of Petersburg.

The house is unable to be renovated.

"Authorities are encouraging anyone with information about this fire, no matter how insignificant the information may seem, to call the state Fire Marshal's Arson Hotline," the release stated.

The hotline, (800) 382-4628, is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Callers may remain anonymous and all names will be kept confidential.

1340 AM WBIW welcomes comments and suggestions by calling 812.277.1340 during normal business hours or by email at comments@wbiw.com

© Ad-Venture Media, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Click here to go back to previous page