MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — The lead investigator into the arson fire that killed a member of the West Virginia Air National Guard says the investigation is progressing in hopes of finding those responsible for setting the blaze.
State Deputy Fire Marshal Jason Baltic said Tuesday the investigative team, which includes state police, sheriff’s deputies and the federal ATF, has already conducted some interviews with more scheduled. They’ve also retrieved video surveillance.
“It’s a very large investigation at this point,” Baltic said during a Tuesday appearance on MetroNews “Talkline.”
Jason D. Baltic, Deputy State Fire Marshal, speaks with @HoppyKercheval about the investigation into the barn fire along the Berkeley-Jefferson County line that left firefighter Logan Young dead and three others injured. WATCH: https://t.co/wkudfIRZCB pic.twitter.com/aWZUKbAaOp
— MetroNews (@WVMetroNews) December 29, 2020
The Sunday morning blaze claimed the life of Senior Airman Logan Young, 30, of Martinsburg, a firefighter assigned to the 167th Airlift Wing firefighting group. He died when a beam from the burning barn on Charles Town Road fell on top of him. The Air Guard group was there providing mutual aid to Berkeley County firefighters.
Baltic said investigators have determined an accelerant was used to start the barn fire and a fire at an abandoned house about three miles away in Jefferson County. That fire was reported 20 minutes before the barn fire.
“We do believe there were ignitable liquids used to ignite these fires,” Baltic said.”We’ve taken several samples which are going to be delivered to the State Police Crime Lab for analysis.”
Baltic said getting assistance from the public will be a key to finding those responsible.
“It’s matter of tracking down leads and a lot of it is from the public’s help. People who saw anything, people who heard anything, that’s what is going to bring these suspects forward where we are able to make an arrest,” Baltic said.
The reward leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible is currently $20,000 after a $15,000 anonymous donation. Baltic said he’s heard from others who want to give to the amount.
“I would say the reward will grow even more as the time grows,” he said. “Honestly I would think the tragedy that happened, without the money, would cause people to come forward.”
The death of a fellow firefighter does have an impact on the investigation, according to Baltic.
“A line of duty death increases the urgency,” he said. “My investigators have worked non-stop since Sunday morning.”
Baltic said he has increased determination after speaking with Young’s mother at the fire scene Monday.
“That just motivated me more to make sure somebody is brought to justice for this,” Baltic said.
Three other firefighters were injured. One of those a Martinsburg city firefighter. He’s being treated at Ruby Memorial Hospital.
The state Fire Marshal’s Office said anyone with information about the fires should call the West Virginia Arson Hotline at (800) 233-3473.
Baltic said state police troopers have played a vital role in the investigation. He said local sheriff’s deputies, volunteer firefighters, the Loudoun County, Virginia Fire Marshal’s Office, Maryland State Police, ATF and a contracted construction crew have also assisted.