CARROLLTON, W.Va. — A team of investigators is beginning to make some progress in its investigation of the Carrollton Covered Bridge fire in Barbour County, authorities said.
Last Thursday night’s blaze was actually one of three fires along the Buckhannon River that night. Deputy State Fire Marshal Jason Baltic said they all appear connected.
“All three burnt around the same period of time. We’ve ruled all the fires incendiary so they are all ruled arson,” Baltic said. “We’ve narrowed down the area where we believe the fire originated on the bridge and it does appear to be just one area.”
The team of investigators is made up assistant state fire marshals, ATF agents, state police troopers and sheriff’s deputies.
“They are following leads and moving quite well on it right now,” Baltic said, adding there’s a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
The covered bridge, which was built in 1856, had a concrete bridge deck, which remains. Engineers with the state Division of Highways have been inspecting what’s left of the bridge. State Transportation Secretary Tom Smith has pledged to rebuild the span.
Baltic said the fire was an emotional event for many area residents.
“There were several people who stopped and took photographs just to see the destruction,” he said. “You can tell in that community that meant a lot to those people.”