WAR, W.Va. — Four McDowell County volunteer firefighters were arraigned on arson charges Thursday afternoon in Welch.
According to investigators with the state Fire Marshal’s Office, the four War VFD members set the fires in the War community last year from mid-August through the end of October.
Cody Patterson, 26, James Stutson, 40, Michael Click, 28 and Brandon Short, 22, all of War, were charged with first degree arson and conspiracy.
Investigators linked the four fires after an Oct. 31 blaze that destroyed an apartment building and spread to five other buildings. The fire was allegedly set by Click.
According to the state Fire Marshal’s Office the other arsons took place on Aug. 12, a fire set to a two-story vacant building where all four men participated; Sept. 2, a fire set to a vacant home, allegedly set by Click; Oct. 29, a fire set to the same two-story building that was damaged on Aug. 12. Patterson and Click alleged set the Oct. 29 fire.
Investigators said additional charges were pending.