Arson Suspected In Apartment Fire Monday

The Franklin County Fire Investigator, Sullivan Police and Sullivan Fire are suspecting an alleged domestic dispute led to an arson fire early Monday morning, October 7, at 427 Pine St. Apartment D.

Sullivan Police and Fire responded to the apartment in question at 6:17 a.m. regarding a domestic disturbance and fire.

“Our firefighters arrived on the scene and found the fire quickly spreading in Apartment D, they made a quick attack on the fire and kept it from spreading to other apartments,” said Sullivan Fire Chief Eric Lewis. “The quick knock down of the fire preserved the other apartments from receiving any damages at all. Had they not got ahold of the fire as quickly as they did it could have gotten into the attack and spread quickly.”

Lewis stated that the apartment was a total loss with heavy fire damage in the bedroom area and smoke and water damage throughout.

Early reports indicate that the fire may have allegedly began on the bed of the apartment.

A male and female have resided in the apartment and the female allegedly fled the scene following the start of the fire, according to reports, and is being sought by Sullivan Police and Franklin County Fire Investigator.

Franklin County Fire Investigator Jim Schumacher along with Sullivan Building Inspector Dan King were on the scene just minutes following the extinguishing of the blaze. 

Sullivan Fire Department was assisted by Missouri Baptist Ambulance and St. Clair Fire with the alarm.

Charges in the case could be filed as early as this week according to authorities. The Sullivan Independent News will have additional updated in next week’s issue.