WAYNESBURG — Kentucky State Police suspect five area fires occurring just a few miles apart in the past 40 days are connected.
East Anderson Hardwoods on U.S. 27 south of Waynesburg broke out in suspicious blazes Dec. 20 and Jan. 2, and the old Eubank High School in neighboring Eubank went up in flames Nov. 28, Dec. 5 and Dec. 30, KSP spokesman Trooper Paul Blanton said.
Four of the five fires were reported between 3 a.m. and 4 a.m., and none had clear or even probable causes other than arson, he said.
“Hopefully, whenever we catch whoever's doing this, then (the motive) will become more connected,” he said. “But right now, we’re not sure.”
East Anderson Hardwood’s insurance company is offering a $20,000 reward for any information leading to an arrest and conviction for the fires that destroyed $1.5 million of property at the lumber yard, Blanton said.
Additionally, the Kentucky arson task force offers $1,000 for any information with the same results.
“When you see something like this you think, ‘oh it’s an abandoned building,’” Blanton said. “It is now, but if this is somebody setting all these fires, then the next time it could be somebody’s house.”
To report information, call 1-800-272-7766.
