A Russell Springs man has been charged with first-degree arson following a residential fire early Saturday morning.
Russell Springs Police and members of the Russell Springs Fire Department responded to the fire on Oak Street shortly before 3 a.m.
According to Russell Springs Police Officer Chris Tweedy, 39-year-old Joshua York was arrested at the scene and charged with first-degree arson and alcohol intoxication.
York is accused of intentionally setting fire to his mother’s home. Police said she was not inside the residence at the time.
Fire Chief Bobby Johnson told WJRS NEWS the home sustained severe damage. Eleven volunteer firefighters worked for approximately two and a half hours to extinguish the blaze.
York is also charged with first-degree criminal mischief after the fire reportedly spread to a Kentucky Utilities pole, damaging the pole and transformer and interrupting electrical service throughout the neighborhood.
York was lodged in the Russell County Detention Center.
(PHOTO CREDIT: Russell Springs Volunteer Fire Department
