Wickland structure fire deemed arson; evidence heading to KSP forensic lab

The fire that heavily damaged a home located behind the Wickland mansion was intentionally set, investigators determined Friday. Evidence was collected from the scene and will be examined at the KSP forensic lab. Photo submitted.

NC GAZETTE / WBRT RADIO
STAFF REPORT

Friday, July 21, 2017 — The fire that heavily damaged a home adjacent to the Wickland mansion has been determined to be intentionally set.

Capt. Todd Spalding, fire investigator with the Bardstown Fire Department, said Friday afternoon that once firefighters had the blaze knocked down, they discovered some irregular burn patterns on two separate areas that were believed to be where the fire first began inside the home.

Spalding said an arson investigator with the Scott County Fire Department who owned a dog trained as an Accelerant Detecting Canine was requested to respond. Once the canine arrived Friday morning, it “hit” on several areas, indicating the presence of accelerants. Evidence from the scene was collected and is on its way to the Kentucky State Police forensic lab for testing, Spalding said.

The city firefighters were assisted by the Nelson County Fire Department due to heat and the difficulty fighting the fire due to the old home’s construction. PVA records show the home was built in 1910.

Spalding said the fire was the department’s third structure fire this week.

Once the evidence is examined by the KSP lab, it will be turned over to the Bardstown Police Department.

-30-