Arson reward posted for information in Middletown fire

Middletown fire investigators have determined last weekend’s fire at the former Middletown Paperboard facility was the result of an intentional act.

The Middletown Arson Task Force said Thursday that a reward of up to $5,000 is being offered through the Ohio Blue Ribbon Arson Committee for information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for this fire.

ExploreMORE: This rubble in Middletown still has an uncertain cause: What we know now

Deputy Fire Chief Jeff Spaulding said the joint police/fire investigation team has recovered some evidence and is following up on other information that has been gathered. He said some evidence has been sent for criminal analysis.

PHOTOS: 11 images that show how intense the Middletown building fire was

Firefighters were dispatched to a structure fire at 300 S. Verity Parkway at 11:16 p.m. Friday. Fire personnel arrived at 11:20 p.m. and found a significant portion of the structure on fire and rapidly extending north. Additional firefighters and equipment were requested from Monroe, Trenton, Franklin and Madison Twp.

ExploreWATCH: Former Middletown Paperboard building unstable with parts collapsing after intense fire

More than 50 firefighters and 14 fire apparatus fought the fire for more than 14 hours to contain it and prevent damage to neighboring structures and utilities.

Anyone with information related to this fire is asked to contact Detective Brandon Highley at 513-425-7701.

ExploreMORE: Large warehouse fire brings back memories of intense fire in 2004

The Blue Ribbon Arson Committee (BRAC) was developed in 1973 to assist investigators in the state of Ohio. In 1978, BRAC started the Reward Fund, which offers financial incentives for information that leads to convictions involving the crime of arson.

Credit: DaytonDailyNews

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About the Author

Ed Richter

Ed Richter has been a working journalist for 38 years, with the last 34 years working in various capacities covering Butler and Warren counties as a reporter and an editor. Richter covers local news and governments in Warren County focusing on Springboro, Lebanon, Franklin, Carlisle and Waynesville.