Topeka man arrested for arson in early morning fire

TOPEKA (KSNT) - A Topeka man was arrested for aggravated arson in connection to a Wednesday morning house fire in central Topeka.

Just before 7 a.m. Wednesday, July 24, the Topeka Fire Department (TFD) responded to reports of a house fire in the 1300 block of Southwest Western Avenue. Crews found smoke something from the residence and fire in the basement, according to a news release from the City of Topeka.

TFD crews were able to extinguish the fire with no occupants being found in the house. There have been no reported injuries.

After an investigation, the fire was determined to be an incendiary fire, according to the release. A 27-year-old Topeka man was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on an aggravated arson charge Thursday, July 25.

The following is a brief summary of the fire:

• The cause of the fire is undetermined.
• TFD response included four engine companies, two truck companies, one aerial company and two battalion chiefs.
• Assisting agencies included AMR, Evergy and the Kansas Gas Service.
• Working smoke detectors were not located in the house where the fire originated.

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