Early morning fire destroys east Jackson home

JACKSON, Tenn — Investigators with the Jackson Fire Department believe an early morning house fire Saturday is the result of an arson.

Firefighters say around 5:55 a.m. they were dispatched to a home near the corner of  McRee and Lafayette street.

Captain Wemond Graham, of the Jackson fire department said “upon arrival we did have heavy smoke showing.”

Captain Graham was one of the first responders on the scene and he said it took approximately 30 minutes to get the fire under control. Fire investigators said the call came from a neighbor because the homeowner was not present at the time. According to captain Graham they received a report stating the family was in a local hotel.

Although no one was injured two dogs died as a result of smoke inhalation from the fire.

“There was a third dog found in the rear of the house in the yard area that had some type of cut to his neck and had been killed.” Graham said.

Officials said the fire started in the rear of the house, which is a bedroom area.

Graham said “it is suspicious in nature it’s under investigation at this time we do believe it is a result of arson.”

Animal control was called out to remove the deceased animals, as well as bomb and arson investigators to assist in this ongoing investigation. Captain Graham said their following several leads in this case.