Feb 6, 2026, 3:37 pm
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KNOXVILLE - On January 29, 2026, at approximately 1:30 a.m., the Knoxville Fire Department responded to a house fire at 1330 Stair Drive in the Western Heights community. The fire caused severe damage to the house, which was occupied by 11 people at the time. Knoxville Fire Investigators determined that the fire was intentionally set and were able to identify a suspect.
Stair Avenue Fire. image courtesy of KFD
Last night, at around 10:30 p.m., Knoxville Fire Investigators, with assistance from the Knoxville Police Department, apprehended the suspect at a residence in Lonsdale. Diego Julio Pedro, 44 years old, was taken into custody and charged with aggravated arson. He is currently being held at the Knox County Detention Facility.
