West Virginia State Fire Marshal Story Archives - West Virginia Public Broadcasting

String Of Suspected Arsons In Hampshire County Leads To Investigation

A string of suspected arson fires in Hampshire County has led to an investigation by the state Fire Marshal’s office.

Five fires happened mostly along Route 50 Thursday evening into Friday morning, all affecting vacant buildings within a 10 mile stretch between Augusta and Capon Bridge.

Two similar fires were reported in the same general area on Oct. 3 and Oct. 4.

Chief investigator Jason Baltic says the investigation points to all of the fires being linked.

“Two of the scenes, we’re able to say that they’re incendiary fires, that they were arson,” Baltic said. “The others, we’re still working on.”

Another site of a potential arson was discovered Friday evening, bringing the total number of potentially linked fires to eight, though investigators are unsure when exactly the fire occurred.

Among the buildings burnt down was Hook’s Tavern, an 18th century building used during the Civil War to house Confederate soldiers. It was listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

No deaths or injuries as a result of the fires have been reported.

The Fire Marshal’s office is currently working with the Hampshire County Sheriff’s Department and the West Virginia Fusion Center in the investigation.

“We’re developing a lot of evidence, putting a lot of things together,” Baltic said. “And hopefully we’ll have an arrest forthcoming.”

Any information about the incidents can be reported to the West Virginia Fire Marshal Hotline at 1-800-233-3473.

W.Va. National Guard Airman Dies In Mutual Aid Structure Fire

The West Virginia State Fire Marshall is investigating two suspicious fires it says are connected in Jefferson County, one of which took the life of West Virginia National Guard senior airman Logan Young. The West Virginia State Police is helping with the investigation.

Young, 30, was fatally injured in the early morning hours of Dec. 27 during a mutual aid response call to the second fire. He joined the West Virginia Air National Guard in 2018 and served as a firefighter in the 167th Civil Engineer Squadron.

He previously enlisted into the United States Air Force in 2011 and served on active duty in the security forces (military police) career field before transitioning into the national guard.

A press release from the West Virginia National Guard said the airwing fire department performs approximately 100 to 150 mutual aid agreement calls each year in the local community.

Mutual aid agreements allow neighboring emergency systems to support nearby communities. West Virginia state code allows for the sharing of “manpower, equipment and supply” through the West Virginia Statewide Mutual Aid Agreement.

“Logan stepped up to defend our country and protect our freedoms and served as a first responder here at home,” said Gov. Jim Justice. “We owe everything we have to brave men and women like him. We will do everything we can to provide support to his family and will never forget his service and sacrifice to this great state and to our great country.”

Young was a combat veteran and had previously deployed to the Middle East in 2014. He was the recipient of the numerous awards and decorations to include the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Service Medal, Air Force Good Conduct Medal and National Defense Service Medal.

He was a resident of Martinsburg, West Virginia, and is survived by his mother, father, brother and fiancée.

Major Gen. James Hoyer, West Virginia Adjutant General said “To lose such a talented and dedicated young Airman is truly a tragedy. Logan was a hero in every sense of the word and lived out the Air Force values of service before self in all that he did, which was on full display at the time of his passing.”

Report any information about the fire to the West Virginia Arson Hotline at (800) 233-3473. There is a reward of up to $20,000 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Fire at Marshall University's Football Stadium Ruled Arson

Officials say a fire that damaged electrical wiring at Marshall University’s football stadium in West Virginia has been ruled arson.

The Herald-Dispatch reports state Fire Marshal’s spokesman Tim Chastain says they’re offering a $5,000 reward to those with information leading to an arrest in connection with the Sunday night fire at Joan C. Edwards Stadium.

Huntington Fire Chief Carl Eastham says crews responded to the scene after receiving reports of the flames. A business owner said several of his portable restroom and hand washing stations were set on fire.

Officials say flames from the plastic units, placed against a fence outside the stadium, spread up a light tower.

University spokesman Scott Morehouse says it’s possible the damage could affect the start time for Saturday’s game with Charlotte if there’s considerable damage to the lights.

Deadline Looms for Volunteer Fire Department in Roane County

A volunteer fire department in Roane County has six months to fix its problems before the State Fire Marshal’s Office closes it.

WCHS-TV reports state fire officials have given the Newton Volunteer Fire Department 180 days to get the department up to par with state guidelines, or they’ll have to shut down.

A recent evaluation found several deficiencies in the department’s equipment.

Newton VFD Fire Chief Christopher Underwood says they’re about $150,000 in the hole, and they need about 16 sets of new gear for firefighters.

Their fire trucks and equipment on them also need to be updated.

Underwood said issues have been building at the department for years. In January, former fire chief Sean Mccarty was charged with embezzling $130,000 from the department. He’s still awaiting trial.