Two men charged in connection with Anderson County barn fire

 (WKYT) – Two men face arson and wanton endangerment charges in connection with an overnight Anderson County barn fire.

Twenty-seven-year-old Michael Sayre and 26-year-old Ricky Baker, both of Lawrenceburg, each face two counts of first-degree arson, a count of second-degree arson, seven counts of first-degree wanton endangerment, and a count of first-degree criminal mischief. Baker faces a count of first-degree fleeing or evading police on foot.

Anderson County Sheriff’s deputies were called to the scene of the fire in the 1700 block of Trone Main after 11 p.m. Two male subjects were spotted, and when deputies attempted to make contact with them, they fled through a field, according to the arrest citation.

Sayre was quickly located and arrested at the scene.

Baker was later located and arrested around 5:30 a.m. He told deputies that he set the fire, according to the arrest citation.

Both men are lodged at the Franklin County Regional Detention Center.

Fire details

Fire crews were dispatched to the fire around 11 p.m. Wednesday, according to the Anderson County Fire Protection District.

Firefighters say they remained on scene until nearly 4:30 a.m. to bring the fire under control and do overhaul operations.

Lexington Police and Lexington Fire departments responded and provided mutual aid, and Lexington arson investigators helped with the investigation.

According to the arrest citations of Sayre and Baker, the fire consumed a barn, a camper and a vehicle located next to the barn.

The fire spread to the back of a nearby residence with five adults and two children inside.

All were able to exit safely and did not suffer any injuries.