Investigators with the West Virginia State Fire Marshal’s Office have arrested a man on first-degree arson charges for allegedly burning down an abandoned home.
Bricen Hunter Siron, 20, of Upshur County, was charged with setting the fire at a home located in the Volga area of Barbour County on Saturday, Aug. 9.
According to a press release from the State Fire Marshal’s office, WVSFMO investigators ruled the fire was arson-related. A warrant was issued for Siron’s arrest, and he was arrested by the Barbour County Sheriff’s Office on Thursday, Aug. 14. During an interview with investigators, Siron allegedly confessed to setting the house on fire.
The Warren District Volunteer Fire Department in Hodgesville released a statement confirming that Siron was a probationary member who had been with the department for less than two months. Upon learning of the investigation, he was suspended and terminated.
“In the previous week, we have been made aware of pending charges against a former Probationary Member of the Warren District Volunteer Fire Department,” the statement reads. “This former member was associated with the department for less than two months. The member was suspended immediately pending investigation and subsequently terminated. The department will not tolerate or condone the actions the former member stands accused of.”
The fire department said it was cooperating in the State Fire Marshal’s investigation.
“No future comments will be made on this issue as the matter is in the hands of the WV State Fire Marshal,” according to the state. “The department is cooperating fully with the State Fire Marshal’s investigation.”
As of Thursday afternoon, Siron was being held at the Tygart Valley Regional Jail awaiting arraignment.
