NewsChannel 5.com - Nashville, Tennessee - Arson Caused By Fire Fighters

Arson Caused By Fire Fighters

Firefighters may be to blame for potentially deadly fires that caused thousands of dollars in damage. Investigators said a team of arsonists have sparked a string of suspicious fires in Bedford County, and the arsonists are volunteer firefighters. Several arrests were expected.

Florence Hall shot home video of the fire that destroyed her garage last week. Not much remained, and she said there was no doubt in her mind it was arson.

Hall's garage was one of six buildings, including the historic Webb School Barn and an old home, that burned during the past three months in the quiet little town of Bell Buckle.

Bedford County Sheriff Randall Boyce believed the fires would stop this week thanks to the work of his detectives and the state arson and bomb squad.

"You've got to take it really serious because at some point in time somebody is going to get hurt or...killed," Boyce said.

Detectives have completed most of their investigation into the suspicious fires and there will be arrests. NewsChannel 5 learned that five volunteer firefighters will be taken into custody.

County Volunteer Fire Department Chief Mark Thomas said four of the suspects are from Bell Buckle volunteer fire, and one from the county.

"Anytime a firefighter has been involved in arson it's disappointing. It puts a black eye on the whole state," Thomas said. "People have got to understand there are bad apples in every bunch."

Hall was stunned to learn that some of the fighting to save her garage may actually have started the fire. She wanted to know why.

The sheriff said it's anyone's guess.

"Some people are sick that way...they just like to see fire," Boyce said.

In some cases, firefighters start fires to make money. But since the arsonists are volunteers, the motive is unclear. The fires appeared random and nobody was hurt.

The five suspects have already been contacted by deputies. They will turn themselves in or be arrested Wednesday.

No names have been released. Once arrested, they will be charged with felonies. If convicted, they could get up to three years in prison.

Volunteer firefighters are especially important in rural areas.

In Bedford County, Thomas said the county will prosecute the few responsible for the fires. He hopes people will remember that the vast majority of volunteer firefighters perform heroically under dangerous conditions to save homes and lives.