BLANCHESTER —An 11-year-old intentionally set a recent dumpster fire and could face charges, according to the Blanchester Police Department.

On Saturday, Oct. 22, the Blanchester Marion Twp. Fire Department responded to a dumpster fire in the parking lot of an apartment complex at 815 E. Cherry St.

“At the time, the police department was executing a search warrant at a residence on South Mill Street and therefore no police officer was available to respond,” said BPD Chief Scott Reinbolt. “After the fire was extinguished, the fire department contacted the police department to say they were aware of indications the fire had been deliberately set.”

Over the past week Ptl. Jeff Lemmons led the investigation, interviewing several witnesses and searching for physical evidence in the case.

“The investigation was concluded on October 31st and has confirmed the fire was set intentionally by an 11-year-old playing in the dumpster,” Reinbolt said. “The case has been referred to Clinton County Prosecuting Attorney Richard Moyer for his review for the filing of appropriate charges against the child.”