Crime & Safety

Oxford Investigating Possible Arson

Fire in single-family house last week may have been intentionally set, fire marshal says.

Oxford officials are investigating the possibility that someone intentionally started a fire that occurred in a single-family home at 2 Krystalle Lane a week ago. 

Fire Chief Scott Pelletier, who is also the town's fire marshal, said the mid-day fire on July 31 is being investigated as suspicious.

"We're looking at all of the evidence that we can collect from the scene and interviewing people," he said. "The big thing here is we're interviewing juveniles, so there is some sensitivity to it."

Find out what's happening in Oxfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The case is being investigated by the Oxford fire marshal's office, the state fire marshal's office and the Oxford Resident Trooper's Office. Pelletier said hopefully there will be a determination of cause within the next few days. He would not elaborate further as the investigation is ongoing.

Nobody was injured after fire broke out at 12:45 p.m. in a master bedroom closet when eight brothers and sisters were inside the home. Fire was contained to the closet but there was extensive smoke damage throughout the second floor.

Find out what's happening in Oxfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

The  fire was reported by a 911 call. Seymour Fire Department was called as part of a rapid intervention team, and Beacon Falls brought a tanker truck to help. 

The 2,900-square-foot house, which is inhabitable, is owned by Arthur and Leigh Venable.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here

To request removal of your name from an arrest report, submit these required items to arrestreports@patch.com.