JACKSON, MI - A Jackson LGBTQ rights activist who lost his home and five pets in a fire more than a year ago is accused of intentionally starting the blaze.

Nikki Joly, 53, was arraigned on one felony count of first-degree arson before District Judge Daniel Goostrey Tuesday morning, Sept. 25.

Joly is accused of intentionally starting the Aug. 10, 2017, fire that destroyed his home in the 1800 block of Pringle Avenue and killed his two dogs - German Shepherds - and three cats.

One of the first responders at the fire also suffered injuries, Assistant Prosecuting Attorney Steve Idema said.

After more than a year of investigating the fire, Jackson police detectives submitted their findings to the Jackson County Prosecutor's Office, which issued the arson charge against Joly Monday, Sept. 24, Jackson Director of Police and Fire Services Elmer Hitt said.

Joly was arrested Monday afternoon and was lodged overnight in the Jackson County Jail.

Jackson police, with assistance from a Michigan State Police fire investigator, confirmed in November of 2017 traces of gasoline were found spread throughout the home, leading police to believe the fire was started intentionally, Hitt previously said.

The motive behind why the fire was started is unclear at this time, police said.

Joly has a probable cause conference scheduled for 1 p.m. on Oct. 5 and a probable cause hearing at 9:30 a.m. on Oct. 11.

Goostrey set a $25,000 cash surety bond for Joly.

The fire, which is believed to have started on the first floor, quickly worked its way up through the home and erupted through the roof, Deputy Director of Fire Services David Wooden previously said.

Friends and supporters of Joly and his partner, who shared the home with him, came to their aid after the fire, organizing a fundraiser which collected more than $40,000 for the couple who lost everything.

Joly has been a key leader for LGBTQ rights in Jackson, leading the push to establish the city's non-discrimination ordinance, which was approved in 2017. He was previously the director of the Jackson Pride Center, which opened in February 2017, and was an organizer of the Jackson Pride festival and parade in 2017 and 2018.

For his efforts, Joly was named The Jackson Citizen Patriot's 2018 Citizen of the Year.

Joly used to be employed as a nurse, but can no longer handle medication as he's losing his sight, Joly's attorney Daniel Barnett said. Joly currently volunteers as a nurse with the Red Cross and with the Disaster Action Team.

While Joly had an OWI about 30 years ago, Barnett said his record has been clean since.

First-degree arson is punishable by up to life in prison and/or a fine of not more than $20,000 or three times the value of the property destroyed, whichever is greater. If convicted of the charges, Idema said Joly is guaranteed a prison sentence.

MLive Reporter Taylor DesOrmeau contributed to this story.