Arson ruled cause of Ohio fire that led to firefighter death

HAMILTON, Ohio (AP) — Authorities in a southwest Ohio city say a house fire that resulted in a firefighter’s death has been ruled an arson blaze.

Hamilton officials said today the Dec. 28 death of 28-year-old Patrick Wolterman is now being investigated as a homicide. They declined immediately to discuss more details, but urged the public to offer any information that could help their investigation.

Wolterman died soon after falling through a floor into a basement after entering a smoke-filled home. Firefighters learned later the couple who lived there was away on vacation.

It was Hamilton’s first firefighter death in the line of duty since 1971.

Uniformed firefighters from across the country were among thousands of people who turned out Dec. 31 for a memorial service and funeral procession to honor Wolterman.