Arson Arrest Made in Suspicious House Fire Near Bath, NY

Community shaken after February blaze leads to felony charges

In a major development three months after a house fire in Steuben County, New York State Police have arrested a Bath resident on felony arson charges. The incident, which originally drew emergency crews to a burning home on State Route 415 in the Town of Bath, has now been classified as a criminal act.

House Fire Reported in Early February

On the morning of Thursday, February 6, 2025, around 9:21 a.m., State Police were called to a house fire at 6649 State Route 415. The call came through Steuben County 911, prompting an immediate response from Troopers and local firefighters.

When law enforcement arrived, they saw smoke rising from the left side of the single-story home. Thankfully, no one was inside the residence at the time.

To ensure safety and allow emergency crews to work without obstruction, Troopers closed off State Route 415 between Faucett Road and Telegraph Road. The Bath Volunteer Fire Department worked swiftly to bring the fire under control.

Investigation Reveals Suspicious Circumstances

While the flames were put out without injury or loss of life, something about the fire didn’t sit right with investigators. New York State Police launched a full investigation into the cause of the fire. It wasn’t long before they began to suspect the fire had been intentionally set.

Over the following weeks, investigators conducted interviews, reviewed evidence, and worked closely with fire officials to determine the origin and cause of the blaze.

Arson Charge Filed in May

On Tuesday, May 28, 2025, the New York State Police announced the arrest of Timothy S. DeWolf, age 47, of Bath, NY. He was formally charged with Arson in the Third Degree, a Class C felony under New York law.

DeWolf was processed at the State Police barracks in Bath and later transported to the Steuben County Jail for a Centralized Arraignment Program (CAP) hearing.

No further details about DeWolf’s motive or the relationship, if any, to the property were released at the time of reporting. The investigation remains ongoing.

Community Concerns

While the fire was contained without physical harm to residents or first responders, it raised alarms in the tight-knit community. Rural towns like Bath often rely heavily on volunteer departments, and incidents like these put a serious strain on local resources.

Felony arson is a serious crime that carries the potential for lengthy prison time. Under New York law, a conviction for Arson in the Third Degree can lead to a maximum sentence of 15 years.

Authorities have not announced any additional charges or suspects. Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact New York State Police in Bath.