Joplin man charged with felony arson after blaze set at City Jail

A Joplin man was charged with felony arson in the first degree following a fire Tuesday at the Joplin City Jail.

The fire took place at 12:22 a.m., according to the probable cause statement.

Ricky D. Pitts, 47, was housed in G Cell, a "cell for disruptive inmates," when the incident occurred.

"Pitts removed his shirt, then removed a lighter from his back pocket and lit the shirt on fire," according to the probable cause statement. "He fanned the flames to make them as big as possible.

"Jail staff was able to put the fire out. The fire caused damage to the padding in the cell. The pad had to be replaced due to the damage.

"There were 62 inmates and four detention officers inside the jail at the time of the fire. Pitts' actions put the other inmates and detention officers at risk of injuries from the fire and smoke inhalation."

Bond has been set at $15,000 cash or surety.

Pitts was in the City Jail after being arrested for larceny.