Fruitland firefighter accused of arson | News

JACKSON, MO (KFVS)- Cape Girardeau County Sheriff John Jordan says a Jackson man is facing arson charges in connection to a Saturday house fire in Fruitland.

Gordon Schafer, 23, of Jackson was charged Sunday with the class B felony of arson in the first degree.

According to Sheriff John Jordan, the arrest and charges are in connection with an investigation by sheriff's investigators and the Missouri State Fire Marshals Office into an early morning fire on Saturday in Fruitland.

The fire occurred at a home next door to the Fruitland Fire Department.

Sheriff Jordan says deputies and the fire department were called, the fire was put out quickly.

He says a person in the home was awakened, and did not receive any injuries from the fire or smoke.

Sheriff Jordan says the fire was seen and reported by two Fruitland area probationary volunteer firemen.

One of the men, Gordon Schafer was charged with starting the fire. The sheriff says the charge is considered first degree arson since the dwelling was occupied at the time the fire was started.

Schafer's bond was set at $25,000 cash or surety. He was taken to the Sheriff's Justice Center.

Sheriff Jordan says another man was arrested in connection with the fire and later released without formal charges being filed.

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