Fire at Jefferson Twp. house ‘suspicious’

UPDATE @ 3 a.m.:

Investigators are calling a fire suspicious that occurred in an unoccupied house late Sunday night.

Fire crews from Jefferson Township and Trotwood responded to the 100 block of Maeder Avenue before midnight Monday on a reported house explosion and fire.

Firefighters on scene found heavy flames and smoke coming from the rear of the home, but so far have not found any signs of an explosion occurring according to Jefferson Township Fire Chief Larry Sexton.

The house sustained significant damage to the rear of the structure, but a damage estimate was not immediately available.

The house has been unoccupied since February according to Sexton and the fire is considered suspicious.

No injuries have been reported.

FIRST REPORT:

Fire crews in Jefferson Township are on the scene of a structure fire in the 100 block of Maeder Avenue.

Initial reports indicate the fire may have started as a result of an explosion at the residence.

We have a crew heading to the scene and will update this story when more information is available.