SIDNEY — A $5,000 reward is being offered through the Ohio Blue Ribbon Arson Committee for the arrest and conviction of whoever is responsible for the Oct. 8 arson fire at 311 S. Miami Ave.
“We are looking for any information leading to the conviction of persons responsible (for the fire),” Sidney Fire Lt. Jason Truesdale said Thursday morning, Nov. 29, after posting the reward sign on the front of the boarded up house.
At 6:58 p.m. on Oct. 8, Sidney firefighters were dispatched on a report of a house fire. The two-story duplex is owned by Duane Hutchinson. The structure was occupied by Mellisa and Coty Opsomer with Cheyenne and Andrew Kinney on the first floor unit. The second floor unit was occupied by Stacey LeMaster.
A box alarm was requested recalling all off duty Sidney firefighters, Anna and Lockington Fire Departments and Perry Port Salem Rescue. DP&L and Vectren were requested to secure the electric and gas services.
Truesdale said the fire started in a closet on the first floor and then spread to the upstairs.
Fire crews initiated an interior fire attack and were able to quickly knock down the main body of the fire, according to press release from the Sidney Department of Fire and Emergency Services. Due to construction features of the older style home, the fire had already extended into the walls and attic and required extensive overhaul operations to assure the fire was out. During the overhaul phase of the fire, the family dog was located on the first floor and given oxygen. The dog appeared to be doing fine and was returned to the family, the release said.
None of the occupants were injured during the fire. One firefighter received a minor injury during the fire.
The total loss amount of the structure and contents is estimated at $60,000.
Truesdale asked for anyone with information not to hesitate to call and that no tip is too small.
Anyone with information is asked to contact Sidney Police Detective Timothy Kennedy by calling 937-498-2351 or Truesdale at 937-498-2346.
