An historic city block of Hinton lies in ashes today and one individual is behind bars charged with setting the blaze.
Members of the Hinton Volunteer Fire Department were called to the scene of a house fire at 1:30 Tuesday morning. While they were battling a fully involved fire at house a second call came to the 911 center.
“They split their department at that time and were fighting two different fires,” said Assistant State Fire Marshall Scott Rodes. “Basically the second fire progressed into the other apartment units and took down an entire city block of apartment units.”
There were ten apartments known as Brick Row in Hinton.
While the fire was still burning, police were able to apprehend a suspect who was on the scene.
“At the time of the fire some tips came into officers which led them and myself to this individual,” said Rodes.
Police arrested Billy Joe Gill, 25, of Hinton. He’s lodged in the Southern Regional Jail charged with two counts of first degree arson.
Video: Joey Farley
Hinton Police Chief Derek Snavely released the following statement.
“Mayor Joe Blankenship and other Hinton City Officials are currently working on bringing in aid for those who tragically lost their homes today. I would like to personally commend the members of the Hinton Police Department for their hard work and efforts this morning in being able to apprehend the suspect so quickly and putting an end to the terror. I would also like to commend the Hinton Fire Department and all Summers County Fire Departments for their joint effort in putting out these fires and evacuating all of our citizens safely. I would also like to thank Summers County EMS for their assistance this morning as well as the Summers County CERT team. I know today marks a day in history that many will never forget as we lost nearly a dozen homes, but we are so fortunate that none of our citizens or first responders were injured in today’s events.”
Rodes said the investigation into the fire continues. Investigators are unsure how the fire started.
A third fire was set in a trash barrel near the apartment complex.
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Comments
Habib Haddad
When one door closes, another opens. This may be a blessing in disguise for Hinton. We can only hope.
February 26, 2013 at 4:42 pm | Report comment
Eddie
This punk needs to be put away for a long time!
February 26, 2013 at 4:47 pm | Report comment
Tom
"Billy Joe". Now who else would have set a fire?
February 26, 2013 at 10:20 pm | Report comment
Rob
These are the sort of crimes that will be copied if you do not make a clear and convincing example of the person or persons responsible. Throw the book at them and you will have less overcrowding.
February 26, 2013 at 10:25 pm | Report comment
Gloria Kelly
I lived in Hinton for 8 years in the 70's and 80's It saddens me to see you part of the town. Many good memories of the people there. God bless
February 26, 2013 at 10:53 pm | Report comment
kathy grimmett
I fill sorry for all of the family's that lost their homes God Bless you all I think justice should be done right.
February 27, 2013 at 4:51 pm | Report comment
ShinnstonGuy
Enough "throwing people behind bars." If he likes fire this much, his punishment should be to have himself burned at the stake.
February 27, 2013 at 7:06 pm | Report comment
KAY JONES
I was born at 811 TEMPLE ST.JULY 4th1939.My grandparents bought in 1916.Iwas sad to hear Of the fire.My Grandparents were the Adams.Hinton was a lovely town,it will always be near to my heart.How do I Find out some histry on the brick row?.Who built it and ect?
February 28, 2013 at 2:22 am | Report comment