Man charged with arson in house fire that killed two teens was father of victims
The man charged with arson in a fatal Franklin County house fire that left two teenage boys dead this week was the victims’ father, according to court documents.
Dustin Fields, 43, was arrested and charged with first-degree arson Thursday. His arrest citation, made public Friday, said he started the fire at his home on Flat Creek Road in rural Franklin County early Wednesday, knowing his sons were inside.
Fields used an accelerant to start the fire, according to his arrest citation. A Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives K-9 detected the accelerant on Fields’ shoes and at various locations of the home, including where the boys were found.
Fields’ statements also conflicted with witness statements, according to his arrest citation.
The fire happened at a home Fields owns on 5865 Flat Creek Road, according to property records.
The one-story home was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, and searchers eventually found two teens and a dog dead inside the home.
The boys have not been identified, and an investigation is ongoing.
Fields is being held at the Franklin County jail on a $2 million bond, according to jail records. He is scheduled to be arraigned Monday in Franklin District Court.
Fields’ most recent felony in Kentucky was in 2009, when he was charged with first-degree wanton endangerment against a police officer and DUI (fourth offense). He accepted a plea deal and was sentenced to one year in prison.
In 2011, he pleaded guilty to failing to pay child support in Meade County and was sentenced to five years of probation.
BEHIND THE STORY
MOREHow criminal charges work
Suspects are charged by law enforcement based on initial allegations and evidence that have not yet been proven in court or through jury trial.
This story was originally published May 2, 2025 at 11:23 AM.
