Arson suspects sought in connection with apartment fire

PENSACOLA, Fla. (WALA) - Authorities said a unit at the Cypress Ridge Apartments in Pensacola was devastated after a fire broke out on Dec. 6.

Escambia County Deputies are now trying to find Jodi Tribble, 32, and Katherine Tipsword, 32, who are suspected of setting it.

Investigators say when emergency responders arrived at the apartment, what they found was hazardous material that pointed them towards foul play and their suspects.

Deputies then had to call in their hazmat team.

“We have specialized people that come in to neutralize the hazardous chemicals to control it. It isn't just for the fire but to keep those chemicals from being exposed to people in the area,” said Deputy Matt Baxter.

Deputies said Tribble and Tipsword both lived at the Cypress Ridge apartments at the time and haven’t been seen since.

“We do know they knew these charges were forthcoming so they should be turning themselves in. The fire was a very volatile situation because you’ve got such close quarters that other apartments could have been caught on fire from this also," Baxter said.

Tribble and Tipsword are facing felony charges for both arson and narcotics.

If you have any information on their whereabouts, contact the Escambia County Sheriff's Office or the Gulf Coast Crime Stoppers.