First Posted: 2/9/2015
LIMA — A father and son were able to escape their burning home Monday morning.
The home was occupied by James Taylor and his son, Brad Taylor, when the fire broke out just before 3 a.m. at 1100 McCullough St.
Bath Township Fire Chief Joseph Kitchen said James Taylor and his son were taken to Lima Memorial Health System.
As of Monday afternoon, Brad Taylor was treated for his injuries and released. His father remains in serious condition, Kitchen said.
The home sustained heavy heat and smoke damage, Kitchen said. The initial damage estimate was $45,000. It was formerly believed that the home was insured, however after further investigation, Kitchen said the homeowner did not insure the home.
A large amount of damage was done to the front end of the home where the main bedroom was, Kitchen said.
The incident was being treated as aggravated arson, the Allen County Sheriff’s Office said.
The fire was considered suspicious, Kitchen said. The case has been handed over to the State Fire Marshal’s office. Allen County Sheriff Sam Crish said authorities have a suspect but no charges had been filed late Monday.
Kitchen said no other neighboring homes sustained damage from the fire.
