Arson investigators looking for cause of 2 suspicious house fires in east Louisville

LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WDRB) -- Arson investigators are looking for the cause of two suspicious house fires in east Louisville, and one of the homeowners is convinced someone broke in and set their house on fire.

Both fires happened near Harrods Creek on Tuesday evening. Anchorage Middletown Fire Major Mike Arth tells WDRB both fires happened within a couple of hours of each other and about a half-mile apart.

"Right now both fires are under investigation with the Louisville Division of Arson for the cause of origin," Arth said.

The first fire happened just before 9 p.m. on Avish Lane at a home owned by Mac and Eileen Brown. The fire started in a bedroom and spread to an attic before Anchorage Middletown firefighters were able to put it out. No one was home at the time. Damage was contained to one section of the home.

"Nobody got hurt and it’s just stuff. It’s just a couple of important things but the whole – they can all be replaced," Eileen Brown said.

The Browns say they were were in downtown Louisville when they learned about the house fire. They found out about the fire, when a brother-in-law that lives next door called to let them know.

They believe someone broke into their home and vandalized it before starting the fire. They say items like a cell phone and computer monitor were smashed and other items were found in odd places.

"There were items, some tools and things of that nature that we found in the house that was sort of placed in strange areas so it’s clear to us that this person is sick and you can only feel sorry for him. I’m assuming it's a him, but (I) feel sorry for him and hope that he gets the help that he needs," Mac Brown said.

He said someone also tried to break into his sister's home next door.

About 10:45 p.m., firefighters were called to a home about a half-mile away on Woodstone Way. According to Anchorage Middletown Fire, the fire started in an attached garage and spread to the second floor and attic. No one was home, but Lt. Col. Kent Kruer said the house was likely a total loss because of fire, smoke and water damage.

"It's pretty uncommon to have two fires going on at the same time or within a half mile of each other within a couple of hours of each other in lieu of severe storm that comes through with lightning strikes or other widespread significant event. Given that nature, it's a suspicious fire, that's why we involved the arson department," Arth said.

According to a statement from LMPD, Louisville Metro Arson is the lead on the investigation of the house fires. LMPD says police also received reports of vandalism in the area and detectives are investigating.

"Normally any time there's significant damage or injury, we have Louisville Arson Division investigate," explained Arth. "They have law enforcement and fire credentialing so they're better equipped to handle it."