Ross County Arson Indictment

CHILLICOTHE, OH—Randall C. Ratcliff, Jr., 29, of Chillicothe, was indicted by the Ross County Grand Jury August 24 on two counts of felony arson for a structure fire and a wildfire occurring in the spring of 2009.

The Ohio Division of Forestry, State Fire Marshall’s Office, and the Ross County Sheriff Office are cooperating in the investigation with the Ross County Prosecutor’s Office.

The Scioto Township Fire Department assisted the investigators. 

The ODNR Division of Forestry maintains cooperative agreements with Ross County fire departments and others in southern and southeastern Ohio.  The Division of Forestry provides wildfire prevention support and suppression training for the firefighters, and investigates violations of Ohio Revised Code outdoor burning regulations.  For more information on wildfires and burning regulations, visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com/forestry under “Forestry Assistance”.    

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For further information, contact:
Greg Smith, ODNR Division of Forestry
614. 265. 6706
Shane Cartmill, Division of State Fire Marshall
614. 752. 7179