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‘See something, do something’: Ohio fire investigators ask public for tips, videos to help solve arson cases

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‘See something, do something’: Ohio fire investigators ask public for tips, videos to help solve arson cases


CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – Almost half of the 330 fires investigated this year by the State Fire Marshal’s Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau have been ruled arson.

As of May 6, state investigators had determined 145 fires throughout Ohio were intentionally set.

On Thursday, the State Fire Marshal’s Office said it is intensifying efforts to prevent arson and solve arson-related cases.

“Arson is a direct threat to the safety and well-being of our citizens,” said Josh Hobbs, Chief of the Fire and Explosion Investigation Bureau. “We are committed to using every resource available to find those responsible.”

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Rewards of up to $10,000 are being offered for information or evidence that “significantly aids” investigators or leads to the arrest and conviction of an arsonist.

Hobbs said even the smallest details can be just what investigators need to get arsonists arrested and off the street.

“We urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant the information may seem, to come forward,” Hobbs said. “Your vigilance can save lives. If you hear or see something, say something.”

The State Fire Marshal is also asking the public to share photos or videos, such as footage captured by doorbell or security cameras, that could be related to arson cases.

“In many cases, the key piece of evidence that leads to an arson conviction comes from a member of the community. You are our eyes and ears on the ground,” Hobbs said.

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Anyone with information related to an arson case is encouraged to contact the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728.

Callers can remain anonymous and all tips will be thoroughly investigated.



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Cleveland, OH

House explosion in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood catches neighboring houses on fire

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House explosion in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood catches neighboring houses on fire


CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – A house explosion in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood caught its two neighboring houses and a car on fire and covered the street in thick smoke.

The family who lived in the house that exploded was not home at the time, Cleveland Fire confirmed.

Cleveland EMS told 19 News that paramedics evaluated a 14-year-old boy in stable condition and will be transported by private vehicle for medical assistance.

All residents were safely evacuated and are being assisted by the Red Cross.

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House explosion in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood catches 2nd house on fire(WOIO)

The houses are in the 5900 block of Cable Avenue, east of Broadway.

The two-story house that exploded collapsed after noon, Cleveland Fire confirmed.

The explosion and blaze caught the neighboring houses on both sides on fire, Cleveland Fire said.

House explosion in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood catches neighboring houses on fire
House explosion in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood catches neighboring houses on fire(WOIO)

Below is raw video our 19 News crews captured on scene:

Our cameras captured a first responder carrying a young child on the street away from the home, but it is unknown which house the child lived in.

Cleveland Fire said that 10 companies and 45 firefighters had all fires under control in an hour and a half.

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Clouds of smoke filled the nearby streets, creating dangerously low visibility and difficult breathing conditions.

The plume of smoke could be seen for miles, even in downtown Cleveland and Parma.

House explosion in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood catches neighboring houses on fire
House explosion in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood catches neighboring houses on fire(WOIO)

The cause of the explosion and the estimated damage amount have yet to be determined. Enbridge Gas is on scene, and 19 News is waiting to hear back.

House goes up in flames in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood
House goes up in flames in Cleveland’s Slavic Village neighborhood(WOIO)

Return to 19 News for updates.



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Cleveland, OH

Arraignment for teen accused of murder at Cleveland deli

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Arraignment for teen accused of murder at Cleveland deli


CLEVELAND, Ohio (WOIO) – The 17-year-old boy accused of a deadly shooting at a Cleveland deli, pleaded not guilty at his arraignment in Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas Thursday.

Royal King was indicted on the charges of aggravated murder, murder, felonious assault, carrying concealed weapons, and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle.

King will continue being held on a $1 million bond at the Cuyahoga County Juvenile Detention Facility.

He will return to court on March 2 for a pre-trial.

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Royal King(Fiscalía del Condado de Cuyahoga)

King is accused of killing Jahari Stegall, 17, on Sept. 19, 2025 at the E. 185th Deli in the city’s Northshore Collinwood neighborhood.

PREVIOUS STORY: Teen identified after shooting death at Cleveland deli

King allegedly drove to the deli in a stolen car and walked through the aisles.

Security cameras then show Stegall walking through the parking lot.

King allegedly met Stegall at the door with a gun in his hand and shot him in the back of the head before fleeing the scene.

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Cuyahoga County Prosecutor Michael O’Malley said Stegall was a good kid who barely knew King.

U.S. Marshals arrested King on Oct. 29, 2025 at home on E. 147th Street in Cleveland.



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Ohio EMA expanding traveler alert system

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Ohio EMA expanding traveler alert system


OHIO — The Ohio Emergency Management Agency, in partnership with the National Weather Service offices in Wilmington and Cleveland, is partnering with Lamar Advertising to help expand the Ohio Traveler Alert System to more parts of the state. 


What You Need To Know

  • Ohio EMA said the system will soon include areas of greater Cleveland, Toledo and the Cincinnati Metropolitan area
  • The system first launched in 2024 for parts of Dayton and Columbus
  • The goal is to deliver real-time severe weather alerts to travelers through digital billboards

Ohio EMA said the system will soon include areas of greater Cleveland, Toledo and the Cincinnati Metropolitan area. 

“Severe weather can make driving difficult and dangerous,” said Gov. Mike DeWine, R-Ohio. “By expanding the Ohio Traveler Alert System, our goal is to get critical weather alerts to more drivers in real-time.”

The system was launched in 2024 in the areas of Dayton and Columbus. If there’s severe weather, digital billboards display messages alerting travelers about certain conditions, such as high winds, snow squalls, ice and flooding.

“Collaborations like these are the backbone of community safety,” said Sima Merick, Ohio Emergency Management Agency executive director. “When we work together, we strengthen our ability to protect the people we serve. OTAS is a prime example of these partnerships.”

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Ohio EMA said the communication and messaging on billboards is not only an effective way to communicate to Ohio residents but also to travelers who may not be familiar with the area. 



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