WELCH, W.Va. (AP) - The West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office says four McDowell County firefighters have been arrested on arson charges in connection with a series blazes set over a two-month period last year.
The office said in a statement that all four were charged on Thursday with first-degree arson and conspiracy in the fires that were set from August through October. Authorities said those charged were 26-year-old Cody Patterson, 40-year-old James Stutson, 28-year-old Michael Click and 22-year-old Brandon Short.
Fire investigators were called to a vacant apartment fire on Oct. 31 that spread to five other buildings. The statement said investigators concluded it was intentionally set and that it was connected to three previous fires.
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It wasn’t immediately clear if the firefighters have attorneys.
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