Arsonist sentenced in fire that damaged Wichita’s historic Orpheum Theatre

The 34-year-old Wichita man who set a fire in downtown that did damage to the historic Orpheum Theatre was sentenced Friday to 30 months in prison, according to the Sedgwick County District Attorney’s Office.

Jeremy Edward Wycoff pleaded guilty in September to aggravated arson and arson for the April 10, 2025, fire, which did around $5,000 in damage to the 102-year-old theater and damaged around $20,000 worth of roofing materials sitting in the street.

The fire started in a pile of roofing materials stacked on First Street, beside the Orpheum at 200 N. Broadway. Wycoff said he tossed away a cigarette and “did not mean to catch anything on fire” but authorities found multiple lighters and butane torches on him when they found him, according to court records.

The Orpheum sustained minor damage to the south side of its exterior, two broken window panes and heat damage to outside artwork.