When public safety personnel are injured in the line of duty, it is a serious issue... And fire officials are taking every step possible to make sure the suspect gets the maximum prosecution.

"Anytime we have rapidly growing fire, that’s suspicious to us." Says Chief Larry Williams Dothan Fire Department.

And there was great reason to have suspicion. Police say around 10:30 Saturday morning, a house fire on College Street in Dothan was sparked intentionally by this man- 21-year-old bobby Underwood.

Underwood was arrested and is being charged with first degree arson...but because a firefighter was injured on the scene, one count of second degree assault was added to the list.

According to stature code of Alabama 13a-6-21sub paragraph 4-
"With intent to prevent a peace officer, emergency medical personnel, from performing a lawful duty, he or she intends to cause physical injury or if he or she causes physical injury to that person." Says Dothan Police Chief John Powell.

Police say Underwood tried to flee the scene at the time of the fire, and does have a past criminal history.

"He has a previous arrest for domestic violence 3rd degree and some past history where he has been arrested on outstanding warrants." Says Chief Powell.

Police say Underwood was in a fight with a juvenile which prompted him to start the fire, but there are some conflicting reports.

"The first arriving officer actually witnessed the couch burning at that time, and there were conflicting stories between the occupants of the other building as to where the fire started." Says Dothan Fire Marshall Jimmy Ward

Fire officials say no other injuries were reported from the fire.

John Penn is the name of the firefighter and paramedic who was injured. His left leg will be in a full cast for several weeks, so he will be out of work for quite some time.

This case is still under investigation.

District Attorney Doug Valeska will be present the case before a grand jury, no court dates have been set for Underwood yet, but he is on 250,000 dollar bond for each charge.