Officials believe arson was cause of fire

FARMINGTON — Fire officials believe an apartment that was set on fire in January was set on fire again early Friday morning.

The Farmington Fire Department responded to a report of a fire in an apartment building above a nail salon at Karsch and Carleton streets at 12:42 a.m. Friday.

The first firefighters arrived three minutes later and reported smoke and fire showing from the two-story building.

State Fire Investigator Zach Jacobsen said no electricity was hooked up to the building, which was being remodeled from the last fire.

“I believe it to be set,” Jacobsen said Friday afternoon.

He said they have no suspects at this time, but a witness reported seeing a suspicious white male in the area shortly before firefighters showed up.

After the other fire in late January, Justen M. Kelly and Kennith J. Gutches, both 19, of Farmington, were charged with second-degree arson, second-degree burglary and first-degree property damage. They were arrested and held on a $20,000 bond. Jacobsen believes the two are still in jail.

He said firefighters did a good job and were able to contain the fire to one room. Firefighters from Doe Run Fire District, Park Hills Fire and Wolf Creek Fire Departments assisted.

Jacobsen is being assisted in the investigation by the Farmington Fire Department and Police Department.