Local man arrested in fatal arson fire
A Marshalltown man was charged with arson Friday in connection with a fatal Hartford house fire.
At approximately 4:12 a.m. Friday, firefighters were dispatched to a dwelling on fire at 140 W. Paint St. in Warren County. When they arrived, the home was engulfed in flames, according to a news release from the Warren County Attorney’s Office.
A body was found in the home and taken to the State Medical Examiner’s Office in Ankeny for identification. Investigators are still determining the cause of death.
The fire was determined to be arson.
Stephen James Major, 28, of Marshalltown, was charged with first-degree arson and operating a motor vehicle without owner’s consent.
The home is the location of Hartford Gun Sales & Training, and because of large amounts of ammunition in the building, fire crews were cautious.
A neighbor reported hearing several small explosions.
The investigation is ongoing, and is conducted with the cooperation of the Hartford Fire Department, Carlisle Fire Department, Warren County Sheriffs Office, Iowa Division of Criminal Investigation, Iowa Fire Marshal’s Office, and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.