State Fire Marshal H. “Butch” Browning released information Wednesday related to an arson arrest in Zachary.

Zachary, Baker, Central and Slaughter firefighters were dispatched to 22870 Jacock Rd. in Zachary on Monday, July 9, to reports of a house fire.

Firefighters arrived to find the residence of Dr. Bridgett Steib and her husband, Joseph Steib, fully engulfed in flames.

Browning said the couple is better known in the community as the pastors of 'The Ministry of Love Congregation', located on Hooper Rd. in Central.

A multi-agency investigation to determine the origin and cause of the fire was conducted by investigators of the Zachary Fire Department, Baton Rouge Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.

As a result of the investigation, the fire was determined to have been intentionally set, Browning said.

Evidence gathered during the course of the investigation led investigators to question two suspects.

One of the suspects was identified as one of the homeowners. Bridgett Barnes Steib, 49, of Zachary, was questioned by investigators, arrested and charged with simple arson and arson with intent to defraud.

Steib was booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

The second suspect, Steib's sister, has been identified as Lucille Barnes Brown, 42. After being contacted by investigators, Brown, accompanied by her attorney, surrendered to authorities, Fire Marshal Browning said.

Brown was charged with one count simple arson and also booked into East Baton Rouge Parish Prison.

Fire investigators said additional arrests could be made and the investigation continues.

ORIGINAL STORY

About 22 firefighters from Zachary were assisted by Baker, Central and Slaughter Volunteer Fire Departments Monday, July 9, in battling a blaze at a home on Jacocks Road, located just off Pride-Port Hudson Road, said Zachary Fire Chief Danny Kimble.

The call from a neighbor came in about 8:55 a.m., the first unit was on the scene at 8:58 a.m. and the fire was under control by 9:53 a.m., said Kimble.

Most of the home's damage was to the large garage attached to the main part of the house, and the blaze was contained at about 25 percent, Kimble said.

The homeowners were not present at the time of the blaze.

A total of about 35 firefighters responded, with no injuries reported.

The exact cause of the blaze is still undetermined at this time, Kimble said.

The home, valued at around $1 million, sustained heavy fire, smoke and water damage, said Chief Kimble.