MARTINSBURG, W.Va. — The slow process of investigating a fatal fire from December in Berkeley County continues. However, officials are hopeful the key information will soon come their way.
The Dec. 27 fire claimed the life of Logan Young, a senior airman with the West Virginia Air National Guard’s 167th Airlift Wing fire fighting unit. He died when he was helping battle the blaze at a barn in a rural area of Berkeley County and a beam collapsed striking him and another firemen. The second victim survived.
Since then the state Fire Marshal has been leading a non-stop investigation which includes aid from the federal ATF, State Police, and the Berkeley County Sheriff’s Department.
“We’re still looking at different angles and definitely looking for any additional information. If anyone knows anything please let us know,” said Jason Baltic, deputy state fire marshal.
Recently investigators released pictures of ATVs and a vehicle which may or may not be tied to the fire. Baltic said they’d like to find out more information about those items, but admits it’s a long shot, especially with the ATVs.
“The bad thing about it in those areas is there are a lot of ATV trails and several people use them,” he said.
Therefore the ATV’s investigators are looking for may not be involved at all. But Baltic added they might be the key link which breaks the case. Anyone who does have information has a lucrative incentive to come forward and talk. The reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction now stands at $23,000.
“I wouldn’t’ think you would need a reward to come forward on a case like this, but if you want the reward money and you have information, come forward and let us know,” he said.
Information can be submitted at the state Fire Marshal Arson Hotline 1-800-233-3473.