The aftermath of an intentionally set fire in Dover has city officials pushing to have the mostly destroyed house torn down.
The State Fire Marshall earlier this year determined the May 25th, 2024, fire at 1409 East Second Street was intentionally set using ignitable liquids. No one was hurt. Investigators suspected the homeowner. However, County Prosecutor Ryan Styer declined to prosecute the man because he is already in a nursing home due to his poor and declining health.
The city of Dover last week filed a civil complaint against the owners of the home trying to get it torn down. The split-level house is gutted and scorched with about half of it burnt to the ground.
City attorneys call it a public nuisance and a serious threat to neighbors’ health, welfare and safety. They want the court to set a date for the owners to tear down the property. If they don’t, the city wants permission to tear it down and bill the owners.
No future court dates have been set.
Copyright WTUZ Radio Inc., 2025