London, KY – A 56-year-old man has been arrested on arson and burglary charges following a structure fire that heavily damaged a downtown London law office early Tuesday morning, authorities said. Firefighters rescued the suspect from inside the burning building before he was taken to a hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Incident Overview
The blaze occurred at Cunnigan and Cunnigan Law Offices on Main Street, next to Cessna & Benge Law Offices, just before 5 a.m. Tuesday. Fire crews responding to an unrelated call discovered the fire and immediately initiated suppression operations.
London police identified the man found inside as Scottie Seeley, 56, who was transported to a Lexington hospital. He remains in police custody and will be moved to the Laurel County Detention Center once released from medical care.
“We go into any of these investigations with an open mind… The evidence leads us to ultimately what we’ve come up with,” said Major Bobby Day of the London Police Department.
Seeley has been charged with second-degree arson and third-degree burglary. Authorities have not disclosed his motive or why he was inside the building at the time of the fire. Court records indicate Seeley has an extensive criminal history dating back to 1997.
Fire Response and Challenges
Multiple agencies responded to the fire, including the London City Fire Department, emergency medical services, and five assisting fire agencies. Crews worked for hours to extinguish the flames and ensure no hotspots remained.
“This is possibly one of the oldest buildings in the city of London. It’s been remodeled several different times and with different construction. We’re just trying to make sure it’s completely out before we depart,” said Assistant Chief Brandon Wagers.
The building’s age and modifications presented challenges for firefighters, who also helped property managers salvage items from the structure.
Road Closures and Community Impact
The fire prompted the closure of Main Street between Third Street and Fifth Street, with Mayor Randall Weddle urging motorists to use alternate routes. The Laurel County School System and School Police were notified to ensure student safety, and traffic disruptions were expected during the morning commute.
“Proud of our crews. First-arriving firefighters made entry under heavy conditions and successfully removed an occupant from the structure. This is exactly why we are here for the community! Prayers for the person that was pulled out,” said Battalion Chief Brandon Wagers.
Authorities confirmed the fire has been extinguished, though crews remain on scene to monitor hotspots. Officials hope to reopen Main Street within a few hours following cleanup.
Investigation Status
Detectives with the London Police Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office are continuing their investigation into the cause of the fire and Seeley’s involvement. Major Day confirmed that an arrest warrant was obtained after preliminary investigation.
The community continues to recover from the incident, with officials emphasizing public safety and monitoring surrounding buildings for any damage.
Conclusion
Scottie Seeley, 56, has been charged with second-degree arson and third-degree burglary following a downtown London law office fire. Authorities continue to investigate the incident, while fire crews and city officials work to restore Main Street and ensure the safety of residents and businesses.
Share your experiences in the comments below.
