Arson suspected in fatal Old Louisville fire

Officials suspect a fire that killed two people in Old Louisville on Thursday may have been intentionally set, and they are also trying to determine why a fire escape had been locked.

Maj. Henry Ott with the Louisville Fire Department Arson Unit said authorities are asking the public for help in their investigation.

The fire gutted a three-story, brick building in the 1100 block of South Second Street, leaving two dead and injuring three others. Two of the injuries were caused when people jumped from upper floors.

"We have not identified any suspects," he said.

The two fire victims were identified Friday as Theresa Schultz, 51, and Florence Filatreau, 51. Both were pronounced dead at the scene of smoke inhalation, said Deputy Coroner Jack Arnold.

Ott also said investigators are trying to figure out who put a lock on the fire escape. "We are trying to track down the owner, and find out why the lock was on the fire escape," he added.

BACKGROUND: Two dead, four injured in Old Louisville house fire

As flames and smoke poured from the building, occupants could be heard calling for help.

A firefighter who rescued one of the building's occupants was treated for minor injuries and is back on the job, the major said.

Ott said the fire may have started on a staircase outside the building.

"We have to work on whether it started on the first or second floors," he added.

Three people are still in the hospital. He said he did not know their conditions.

Call 574-LMPD or 574-3721 with any information about the fires.

MORE ONLINE

Read the story at www.courier-journal.com for photos and video from Thursday's fire