SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating several arson fire in Topeka.
Just before 3a.m. August 25, fire crews responded to a house fire at 1509 NW Logan Street in Topeka, according department spokesperson Rosie Nichols.
First arriving crews found smoke and flames coming from a two-story house. Due to the heavy fire involvement, and safety concerns of the stability of the home, crews were forced to battle the fire from the outside. No occupants were inside the house at the time of the fire.
A preliminary investigation determined the cause of the fire as intentionally set. The total estimated loss from this fire was approximately $20,000, associated with structural loss. Content loss is unknown. Police have not reported an arrest in this case but have arrested three others for arson in August.
On August 14, police arrested 28-year-old Shaliqua Hill of Topeka and a 17-year-old girl for allegedly using explosives to start a house fire at 631 SE 35th Street in Topeka.
On August 16, police arrested 62-year-old Rose A. Wilson for alleged aggravated arson for an apartment at 1312 SW Polk Street in Topeka.
On August 1, police arrested 61-year-old Linda Ritchey, 61, for alleged aggravated arson for a fire at a home at 507 SW Taylor Street in Topeka. She remains in custody, according to online jail records.