A suspicious fire led to a person of interest being taken into custody Thursday.

About 10:30 am Thursday Rochester and Henry Township Fire departments were dispatched to 761 Cottonwood Lane in Country Meadows with fire and heavy smoke were coming from the residence. 

Owners and neighbors notified Rochester Fire that there was a dog in the residence.  That dog was located and saved and turned over to the Fulton County Animal Control Officer.   

After the fire was extinguished the Rochester Fire Department turned the case over to the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office and the Indiana State Fire Marshall for further investigation. 

With that investigation, Timothy P. Miller, 38, was lodged into the Fulton County Jail on a preliminary charge of one count of arson, a Level 4 felony.

There were no injuries in the incident.  However, the residence is a total loss.

In relation to the fire, the following announcement from the City of Rochester:

The City of Rochester Fire Department responded to a fire in the afternoon hours of Thursday, August 4 in the area of Country Meadows pulling water from the fire hydrants located inside the Country Meadows subdivision. 

Residents in this area may experience discolored water for the next couple days.  The water is safe to use and drink.  The city recommends letting it run for a few minutes to help clear it up.  Avoid washing white clothes while water is discolored. 

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause. 

If you have any questions, please contact the Water Department at 574-223-3412.