Fire Investigation Leads to Arson

April 07, 2009
Contact: Elise Schaffer, PIO Phone: (608) 284-6142 Email: schaffer@co.dane.wi.us
Sheriff's Office

On March 28th, at 2:24 am Dane County Sheriff's Office deputies, along with Sun Prairie and Columbus Fire Departments, were dispatched to 2322 Branch Road, in the Town of Bristol, for a structure fire. As first responding units arrived, the single-family dwelling was completely engulfed in flames. A passerby first alerted authorities to the fire after seeing the garage fully engulfed in flames. The residence, which was undergoing remodeling, was completely destroyed in the fire. Additionally, three automobiles parked near the residence, were destroyed by the fire. There was no one home at the time of the fire, and no responding fire or police personnel were injured while entinguishing the fire. Detectives with the Dane County Sheriff’s Office who specialize in fire investigation determined the fire was set intentionally. On Monday, April 6th, Derek C. Hightower, age 24 of Madison, was arrested on a tentative charge of Arson. Hightower had previously resided in the home. ###