Jennings, Louisiana - A 42-year-old Jennings man faces aggravated arson charges after Louisiana State Fire Marshal investigators determined he intentionally set a residential fire that endangered two people.
Jamaric Ralpheal Alexander, 42, of Jennings, Louisiana, was arrested by Jennings police on September 24, 2025, on a State Fire Marshal warrant for aggravated arson. The arrest followed a thorough investigation into a house fire that occurred two days earlier in the 700 block of Garage Alley.
The Jennings Fire Department responded to the residential fire at 6:17 a.m. on Monday, September 22, 2025. Two adults - one male and one female - were inside the home when the fire started but both escaped without injuries. The presence of a working smoke alarm in the residence may have contributed to their safe evacuation.
State Fire Marshal deputies launched an investigation at the request of local authorities and quickly determined the fire was intentionally set rather than accidental. Through their investigation, deputies identified Alexander as the primary suspect in the case.
Aggravated arson is a serious felony charge in Louisiana that applies when someone intentionally sets fire to a structure while knowing people are present inside. The crime carries significant penalties including potential prison time and substantial fines.
The Louisiana State Fire Marshal's Office expressed gratitude to both the Jennings Police Department and Jennings Fire Department for their rapid response and ongoing support throughout the investigation.
Fire Marshal investigators continue to examine evidence related to the case and encourage anyone with additional information to come forward. The agency maintains an arson hotline specifically for reporting fire-related crimes and suspicious incidents.
Community members can contact the State Fire Marshal Arson Hotline at 1-844-954-1221 to report information about this case or other fire-related crimes. Those who prefer to remain anonymous can submit tips online through the agency's website at lasfm.org.
All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty.