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A volunteer firefighter in eastern Pennsylvania faces serious charges after allegedly setting multiple fires and responding to them as part of his fire department duties.
Justin Sholly, 29, a member of the Perseverance Volunteer Fire Company in Souderton, was arrested Sunday on arson and related charges, according to court records.
The first incident occurred Friday morning when firefighters, including Sholly’s company, responded to a blaze at a detached garage or barn located about 50 feet from a home housing ten people. Later that same day, the department attended to a trash fire. Early Saturday, crews were called to a property with multiple fires burning in a barn, shed, outhouse, three cars, and a gazebo near a home with eight occupants.
Investigators used license plate recognition technology to identify Sholly as a suspect. He reportedly confessed to starting all three fires. Court documents reveal that after two of the fires, Sholly returned to his fire station before heading back out with fellow firefighters to the scenes.
According to the complaint, one of the fires was set near property tied to a former employer who had dismissed Sholly in 2015.
In response, the Perseverance Volunteer Fire Company announced Sholly’s suspension, stating he faces removal pending further developments. The department condemned his actions as fundamentally at odds with its values and mission.
As of now, Sholly has not entered a plea. The investigation continues.