COLDWATER – A house fire in Coldwater was deliberately set and a suspect is in custody.

Coldwater Fire Chief David Schmaltz says his department was called out to South Jefferson Street just after 10:30 Thursday morning for a house fire. When they arrived heavy smoke was seen coming from the two story, wood frame house. The Quincy, Bronson and Lakeland Fire Departments were called in to provide mutual aid.

Schmaltz says the windy conditions made it difficult to battle the blaze, but it was eventually brought under control and put out. The house is being called a total loss.

Coldwater Police arrived to assist with traffic control in the area. A witness told officers they saw one of the occupants of the home set the fire and then leave. Police found the suspect a short time later and took them into custody. No other information has been released.

Also assisting at the scene was the Branch County Sheriff's Department Victim's Services Unit.