More Than a Dozen Fires in West Virginia Considered Suspicious

Authorities believe more than a dozen recent fires in Huntington, W.V., were deliberately set.

State assistant fire marshal Reed Cook says the fires shouldn’t alarm residents. But he tells The Herald-Dispatch that residents should watch for suspicious activity.

Up to 16 suspicious fires have occurred since late December across the city.

Reed says most of the fires occurred at abandoned houses. Some occupied residences, including an apartment building, also have been damaged.

Two fires occurred Saturday within an hour of each other at abandoned residences.

Investigators don’t believe all the fires were set by the same person. Cook says revenge may have been a motive for two fires on Jan. 15.