SHAWNEE COUNTY —Law enforcement authorities are investigating a house fire and have made an arrest..
Just before 10p.m. Sunday, crews responded to a reported house fire located at 507 SW Taylor Street in Topeka, according to spokesperson Rosie Nichols.
First responders found smoke coming from the single-story house consisting of two apartments. All occupants were able to exit the structure, prior to the arrival of fire crews.
After a preliminary investigation the fire cause is classified as intentionally set. As a result of the investigation, Linda Ritchey, 61, was arrested and booked into the Shawnee County Department of Corrections on requested charges of of Aggravated Arson.
The origin of the fire was determined to have been on the first floor of the home. The total loss was estimated at $11,000, with $10,000 associated with structural loss and $1,000 associated with content loss.
The home did not have working smoke detectors, according to the fire department.