Officials suspect arson cause of fire

CELINA - Celina firefighters and Mercer County Sheriff's Department personnel are investigating a suspected arson case at 3311 Shore Drive.

"We think we know how it started. Don't have an exact pinpoint yet, but we're close," Celina Fire Chief Doug Wolters said.

A boy reportedly noticed straw bails on fire beside the home and reported it to a neighbor who called the fire department at 12:52 p.m. Wednesday, Wolters said.   

Two firefighters responded with one truck. After the fire was doused, Lt. John Schumm scattered the smoldering straw across the front yard to further help put out the fire.

Homeowner Andrew Shahan, Miamisburg, was not at the home at the time, Wolters said. The flames caused about $5,000 worth of damage to the insured home's air-conditioning unit, siding and window and also damaged neighbor Robert Hines' fence.

Firefighters remained at the scene for about two and a half hours, Wolters said, adding he had heard reports of a "loud boom" around midnight in the area but said firefighters don't think noise was connected to the source of the fire because "something couldn't have been smoldering that long."

Sheriff's officers will continue to investigate the incident, Wolters said.   

"We got what we need. We are waiting for somebody to confess," Wolters added.

The State Fire Marshal's Office is not expected to get involved at this time, Wolters noted, "unless something changes that we are not aware of."