News Summary
The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office is examining several suspicious fires over the weekend, leading to an ongoing investigation into potential arson. Fires occurred at condemned homes, causing significant damage and prompting law enforcement to urge the public for assistance. One suspect has been arrested, while connections between the incidents are being explored. Residents are encouraged to report unusual activity as authorities work to ensure community safety.
Spartanburg, South Carolina – The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office is investigating a series of arson incidents following multiple suspicious fires reported over the weekend. The investigations began when a fire was reported on Friday around 5 p.m. at a condemned home on Stephen Grove Road, near Newcut Road and Booker Boulevard. Fire crews quickly extinguished the flames using 200 feet of booster line, 200 feet of a 1.75 handline, and a 200 feet supply line. Authorities believe this fire was intentionally set, although a suspect has yet to be identified.
On Sunday morning, additional fire activity was reported when multiple fire departments, including Wellford Rescue 13, Poplar Springs, and Westview-Fairforest, responded to a house fire on West Abington Way around 6:30 a.m. This fire caused significant damage, destroying the house and affecting two neighboring properties. Fire Marshal Derrick Miller noted that possible explosions were detected within the destroyed house, but the exact cause of the blaze has not yet been determined. Initial 911 reports indicated that three individuals might still be inside the home; however, upon arrival, responders found no one present, and fortunately, no injuries were reported.
The Spartanburg Arson Team has since taken over the investigation into this second fire incident. Investigators are trying to piece together the timeline and causes of these fires, focusing on the connection between the different events. The authorities have urged the public to assist in their investigation by reviewing any surveillance footage they may have from the times of the blazes.
On April 8, law enforcement arrested 26-year-old Marcus Lee Miller in connection to one of the arson cases from that Sunday morning. Just before his arrest, police responded to five suspicious fires within a six-hour period around Spartanburg city that were geographically close to each other. While investigating these incidents, officers discovered surveillance footage showing a suspect, described as wearing a red t-shirt, black pants, and pink slide-on sandals.
Miller now faces serious charges, including second-degree arson and first-degree burglary linked to a separate incident on April 1. This incident involved a break-in at Barksdale Apartments, where a window was broken and an unlocked back door was found. Inside, the apartment had been ransacked, with police discovering a medication bottle and medical paperwork linking Miller to the scene, along with stolen items including a television, sleeping bag, and pillow.
Despite his arrest in connection to one fire, Miller has not been linked to the other four suspicious fires reported during the weekend. The Spartanburg County Sheriff’s Office continues its investigation, and authorities remain open to tips from the community to shed light on these incidents.
With the recent uptick in suspicious fires in the area, residents are urged to remain vigilant and report any unusual activity or fires to the authorities immediately. As investigations proceed, officials aim to bring any responsible parties to justice and ensure community safety.
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Additional Resources
- Fox Carolina: Arson Investigation in Spartanburg County
- Google Search: Spartanburg arson investigation
- WYFF4: House Fire Destroyed in Spartanburg
- Wikipedia: Arson
- WSPA: Arson Suspect Arrested in Spartanburg
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Arson
- Fox Carolina: Investigating Early Morning Fires in Spartanburg
- Google News: Spartanburg fire investigation
