Delaware County Woman Arrested for Arson After Middletown House Fire

A Delaware County woman was arrested after deputies say she set a home on fire in the Town of Middletown, prompting a multi-agency emergency response and an ongoing investigation that matters to residents along Old Route 28 and neighboring communities.

Amy Slater, 49, of Fleischmanns, was taken into custody on Tuesday, Jan. 20, and charged with arson in the third degree and criminal mischief in the second degree, both felonies. Deputies traced the incident to 746 Old Route 28 after a patrol encounter in which Slater was found walking along the roadway and, according to the sheriff’s office, admitted to setting the fire.

As one deputy proceeded to the address, firefighters were dispatched because the residence was actively burning. Multiple fire departments responded to the scene, and members of the Delaware County Cause and Origin Team joined the Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division to determine how the blaze began and to collect evidence. The combination of local fire units and specialized investigators reflects the coordinated approach often required for suspected arson in rural upstate communities.

Slater was transported to the Delaware County Correctional Facility and held for processing. She was released pending her appearance in Town of Middletown Court at a later date as the investigation continues. Officials have not released further details about property damage or injuries.

For Orange County residents who travel Route 28 into the Catskills or maintain seasonal properties nearby, the arrest is a reminder of the risks associated with wintertime fires and the importance of clear access for emergency crews. The incident also highlights the workload shouldered by area fire departments and investigative teams when suspicious activity intersects with property and public safety.

Local leaders and emergency coordinators encourage residents to maintain functioning smoke detectors, secure heating sources, and report unusual behavior or unattended fires to law enforcement promptly. The Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division and the Cause and Origin Team will continue their inquiry, and Town of Middletown Court will set a formal date for Slater’s appearance.

The investigation’s outcome will clarify motive and the extent of damages. In the meantime, community vigilance and support for first responders remain central as officials work to ensure public safety along Old Route 28 and throughout the region.