Man indicted in Cliffwood Ave. fire

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By Staff Report

A Zanesville man has been indicted by a Muskingum County Grand Jury for a fire he started in the basement of his residence earlier this month.

James Dennis, 26 years-old, was originally arrested at the scene of the fire by members of the Zanesville Police Department after a neighbor reported to authorities she heard a smoke alarm and smelled smoke.

According to Assistant Fire Chief Doug Hobson, the structure fire at 628 Cliffwood Avenue was intentionally set by Dennis.

Firefighters were able to extinguish the flames within 15 to 30 minutes of arriving on scene Hobson added.

Due to a heavy amount of smoke in the residence firefighters had to search the entire structure for any other potential occupants.

A move that required firefighters to put their lives in danger Hobson explained.

“You have a fire that’s below them in the basement and they’re searching the first and second floor of an entire smoke-filled residence,” said Hobson, as he explained the danger of the situation. “There is a very real concern of falling through the floor or becoming disoriented.”

Hobson credits the training and safety protocols put in place that work to minimize the danger to firefighters but noted the serious unnecessary exposure the arsonist put firefighters in.

Dennis was indicted on one count of aggravated arson, a felony of the second degree.

He is currently being held in the Muskingum County Jail and is scheduled to appear in court for his arraignment Wednesday.

Hobson said his department has seen an uptick in suspicious fires recently and is asking the public to remain vigilant.

“If you see something, say something, don’t hesitate to call,” added Hobson.

He also encouraged anyone in the vicinity of fires who might have camera footage of individual(s) or activity related to the fire to reach out to the fire department.