OTTAWA — Local investigators and members of the state fire marshal’s office are investigating an explosion and fire Tuesday night at a vacant home at 903 N. Oak in Ottawa and owned by James Graves, Vassar. Several neighbors reported hearing a large explosion prior to the fire, said Ottawa police Capt. Adam Weingartner. Ottawa firefighters arrived to find smoke coming from the building, Richard Oglesby, assistant fire chief, said. The fire was contained to the room of origin, he said. However, investigators obtained a search warrant and searched the house, Weingartner said. The searchers found evidence that someone was using fireworks to create larger explosives, he said. He said there isn’t any indication at this time that there was any criminal intent. No one is in custody, he said, although Graves identified a suspect. Oglesby estimated the fire caused approximately $10,000 in damage to the house and approximately $10,000 in damage to the contents.
Wednesday, May 28, 3 p.m.
