SHAWNEE COUNTY—Law enforcement and fire officials investigating the a fatal Kansas house fire have identified the victim as 54-year-old James Earl Hoddy, according to Fire Chief Alan Stahl.
Just after 4a.m. Tuesday, the Topeka Fire Department received reports of a house fire at 2418 SE Wisconsin Avenue, according to Stahl.
First arriving units reported a two-story residence fully involved with fire. During a search of the residence, firefighters located Hoddy deceased. The fire was quickly brought under control.
The Topeka Fire Department Investigations unit along with members of the Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal’s Investigations unit responded to the scene. They determined the fire was intentionally set.
Fire crews also located and rescued a dog from inside of the residence. Two other dogs died. The Topeka Fire Department is seeking no suspects for this fire, according to Stahl.