A vacant house fire on West Willett Street very early Sunday morning is suspected arson after city fire officials said kerosene was poured on a pile of personal items.
Rome Police are investigating. No arrests have been made so far.
Fire Chief Thomas Iacovissi said a neighbor spotted the fire at 429 W. Willett St. and called 9-1-1 at 12:52 a.m. Sunday. West Willett branches west off North Madison Street, running parallel between West Dominick and West Liberty streets.
“The fire extended up the exterior of the house and through the first floor,” Iacovissi stated.
“The first floor was burned pretty badly, along with the front of the house.”
The chief said the residence has been vacant for some time. According to city tax records, Scott and Bailey Carey, of Stittville, own the property.