WDBJ7 Roanoke News and Weather NRV Lynchburg Danville | Two volunteer firefighters charged with string of arsons
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After an investigation that's been going on more than a year, two volunteer firefighters have been charged with setting six fires in the Iron Gate and Clifton Forge area plus two in Botetourt County.
Nicholas Brackenridge, who is 21 and a member of the Clifton Forge Volunteer Fire Department, and Christopher "Scotty" Boyd, who is 19 and of the Iron Gate Volunteer Fire Department, are charged with arson and conspiracy to commit arson.
Now many in the community want to know why. Chad Harrison lives next door to a house that burned last month in Clifton Forge. When the fire started, he had to get his family out safely.
"I ran to the back of the house and got out as quick as we could," says Harrison. "It was a big mess."
Investigators say all of the buildings were vacant when the fires were set; but, there's always a risk to those who answer the call.
"Whether they're structures or abandoned or occupied, any time that you set a fire, you're putting a lot of people's lives at risk," says Iron Gate Fire Chief Robert Boyd.
Now both fire departments face the challenge of restoring confidence to its people.
"I want people not to judge the department by what one person allegedly did because they get up all hours of the day and night," says Clifton Forge Fire Chief Mark Nicely. "Don't judge them by what happened here."
As for Chad Harrison, he's struggling to understand. "We have a five-month-old baby girl inside, and to risk three of our lives, and neighbors next door, it's just ridiculous," he says. "I don't know how somebody could do something like this."
Prosecutors say more charges are likely to be filed against both Brackenridge and Boyd. Charges are also expected against a 17-year-old man who was allegedly involved in the fires, too.
