The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Local News

May 15, 2008

Fire marshals investigate more arsons in Hinton

Abandoned house latest structure destroyed by fire

By Amelia A. Pridemore

State fire marshals say they are investigating three more fires in Hinton — two known to be intentionally set.

These arsons and several others dating back to December could all be related, and if so, the person responsible is now burning residential properties, investigators say.

Between 1 and 2:30 a.m. Wednesday, an abandoned house on State Street was destroyed by fire, assistant state fire marshal Scott Rodes said. As soon as firefighters cleared that scene and returned to the station, they were toned to a second house fire at 119 Reservoir St.

Damage at the Reservoir Street house, which was being remodeled, was limited to the back porch, rear exterior wall and attic, Rodes said. That fire — within a block of the destroyed State Street house — was declared arson.

The State Street fire’s cause is undetermined, Rodes said.

An arsonist also destroyed a vacant house at 131 Cross St. last week, Rodes noted. That was about a block away from the Reservoir Street fire. He knew of about six arsons in Hinton since December.

All the fires are possibly linked, he said.

“We are looking at the fact that all of these may be connected,” he said. “We are truly focusing on everything that has happened since December.”

Fire marshals are encountering problems, he noted. The people who may have information do not want to talk to investigators. No one else was around to see anything.

Those with any information about the fires are encouraged to call the Arson Hotline at 1-800-233-3473. Rewards up to $2,500 are offered for information leading to arrests and convictions of people responsible for arsons.

Callers can remain anonymous.

— E-mail: apridemore@register-herald.com

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