WV firefighters engage in training to prevent arsons

It's no secret arson is a statewide epidemic and one of the leading causes of fires in West Virginia. In the past decade, the problem has robbed communities of valuable assets, property, and even lives. This week firefighters across the state took the initiative to learn how to investigate these cases.  

Dozens of first responders gathered at Pipestem State Park in Summers County to learn how to investigate arsons. Many were veteran firefighters venturing into new territory. As arsons increased in their communities, they said it was important to develop the skills needed to prosecute fire bugs.  

"You're endangering lives, and firefighters have to respond to that along with police and EMT," said Joe Wimmer with the Logan County Fire Department.  

Logan Fire Chief Scott Beckett has been fighting the epidemic for 22 years. The county is a hotbed for arson cases. In one section of town, four homes have been reduced to rubble.

"Whether it be a vandal or somebody trying to capitalize on an insurance policy, you set in motion 30 to 35 firefighters with a million dollars of equipment responding and anything can happen," said Beckett.  

He said fire investigation classes have helped scale back the problem.  

Officials said the fire investigation classes have helped improve the rate arsons are being solved. The state's rate of clearance is at 22 percent, higher than the national average at 16 percent.