Kellerton man charged with arson

A Kellerton man is being held in Texas for arson in connection with a Bedford house fire early Sunday morning. The fire, which seriously injured a Bedford woman, was discovered at 2:46 a.m.

According to the Taylor County Sheriff’s Office, a fire broke out at 1871 Orange Ave. in Bedford. A female resident was able to escape, but suffered serious injuries. She was treated by Taylor County EMS before being flown to a burn center.

An investigation led to the belief the fire was caused by an act of arson. Ellis Houk, 68, of Kellerton, was taken into custody in Texas on Sunday on the charge of arson in the first degree. Houk is awaiting extradition to Taylor County and being held without bond.

The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office was assisted by Sharpsburg, Gravity, Bedford and New Market Fire departments; Taylor County EMS (Bedford and Lenox); Air Evac and Adams and Ringgold County Sheriff’s offices.