Webster firefighter indicted on arson charges

WEBSTER SPRINGS, W.Va. — A Webster County volunteer firefighter is awaiting arraignment after he was indicted this week on multiple counts of arson-related charges.

Prosecutors indicted Blake Collins on four counts of first degree arson, two counts of fourth degree arson along with conspiracy charges.

It’s alleged Collins, while a member of the Erbacon Volunteer Fire Dept., set fire to a mobile home, house and some debris on the property of a mining company. All of the fires were in the Erbacon VFD service area. The happened in Feb., May and August 2012.

Prosecutors believe Collins set the fires so the fire dept. could respond to the calls.

Collins is free on bond, he’s scheduled to be arraigned on the indictment Sept. 10.

The state Fire Marshal’s Office said more arrests are possible.





More News

News
Bridge collapse having an impact on West Virginia coal shipments
About third of the coal mined in northern West Virginia is shipped out of the presently idled Port of Baltimore
March 28, 2024 - 1:18 pm
News
Charleston animal shelter seeks more donations, fosters following U-Haul crash
The corner roof of the Kanawha-Charleston Humane Association building was stabilized Thursday morning.
March 28, 2024 - 12:41 pm
News
Controversial unemployment bill becomes law without governor's signature
The bill freezes employer contributions and freezes benefits for people who lose their jobs.
March 28, 2024 - 12:20 pm
News
Governor signs bill phasing out state taxes on Social Security and receives praise
The phase-out would mean a 35% cut retroactive to Jan. 1, 2024; 65% in 2025 and 100% in 2026.
March 28, 2024 - 11:46 am


Your Comments