Jan 30, 2024

Woman accused of intentionally starting Kansas house fire

Posted Jan 30, 2024 3:03 PM
Blair-photo Shawnee Co.
Blair-photo Shawnee Co.

SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities investigating the cause of a house fire have made an arrest.

Just after 10 a.m. Sunday, crews responded to a house fire at 1401 NE Quincy Street in Topeka, according to police spokesperson Rosie Nichols.

First responders found smoke and flames coming from the one-and-a-half story house. All occupants were able to exit the house prior to the arrival of the fire department.

Investigators determined the cause and origin of the fire as intentionally set.  As a result of the investigation police arrested 27-year-old Esther J. Blair of Topeka on requested charges of Arson.

The total dollar loss from the incident was approximately $30,000. There were no injuries reported. The home did not have working smoke detectors, according to Nichols.