Brownwood Police Department and the Brownwood Fire Marshal’s office are investigating a house fire that occurred in Brownwood in the 3200 block of 4th Street in the early morning hours of Wednesday, December 17th.

The fire occurred between 2:00 a.m. and 3:30 a.m., resulting in extensive damage to the home according to BPD Criminal Investigation Division Sergeant James Kidd.  Three large breed dogs perished in the fire, according to police.

The home was taped off while the investigation was underway and a male subject, identified as 29-year-old Christopher Lee Taylor did not heed police instructions not to enter the house, according to police.  Taylor is accused of removing items from the home, resulting in his arrest for tampering with evidence, according to Sgt. Kidd.  Taylor had lived in the residence for three weeks prior to the fire, police said.

Brownwood Fire Chief Del Albright said that they have not been able to determine if the fire was the result of arson, but the investigation is looking at some “areas of concern.”  Limited information was available and no cause of the fire had been released as of Friday morning.  The investigation of the fire is being led by Brown County Assistant Fire Marshal Johnny Bennett.