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Fatal fire in Lebanon ruled arson

Photos: Lebanon house fire kills 3

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A cross stands Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, outside the house on Walnut Street in Lebanon where three people died in a fire last week. Fire officials ruled Tuesday that the fire was arson.

Staff photo by Apryl Pilolli A cross stands Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2009, outside the house on Walnut Street in Lebanon where three people died in a fire last week. Fire officials ruled Tuesday that the fire was arson.

By Justin McClelland, Staff Reporter Updated 1:57 PM Tuesday, October 27, 2009

Fire officials ruled today, Oct. 27, a Lebanon house fire that killed three people last week was set intentionally by someone.

The Oct. 19 fire quickly spread through the two-story multi family dwelling, gutting the century-old structure located at 213-215 Walnut St. The bodies found in the home were burned beyond recognition and the county coroner has not officially identified them.

The house, which is owned by former Lebanon fire chief Jerry Crisp, had failed several city code inspections since 2006, according to city documents. State Fire Marshall investigators said the home did not appear to be equipped with working smoke detectors.

Investigators ruled out all accidental causes and have evidence that the fire was intentionally set. They would not release the specific details because they said it is still under investigation.

Because of the severity of the burns on the bodies found, the Warren County Coroner is trying to match DNA from family members in the area. Family members who have come forward to give DNA said they believe the men found in the home are Wesley Leveque, 45; Alvin Ray (“AR”) Hager, 50; and Thomas Burlile, 48.

According the Leveque’s sister, Violet McElroy, Leveque and Hager lived in the home for about one year. Burlile lived in Indiana, but was visiting Hager according to McElroy.

McElroy and Roger Collins, a friend of Leveque’s, both said the house was in terrible condition while the two men lived there. Collins said a hole was cut in Leveque’s bottom floor apartment and a hose was run through so he could have running water.

Crisp, who could not be reached for comment, served as Lebanon’s fire chief from 1975 until 1982.

State Fire Marshal investigators have posted a Blue Ribbon Arson reward for the fire. The Blue Ribbon Arson Committee is offering up to a $5,000 reward for information leading to the identification of the person or persons responsible for the fire. Anyone with information is asked to call the State Fire Marshal’s Fire & Explosion Investigation Bureau at (800) 589-2728.

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