VOLGA, WV (LOOTPRESS) – A late-night suspicious brush fire in Barbour County scorched approximately 8-10 acres of land, with investigators now suspecting it may have been intentionally set.
At approximately 10:31 p.m., officers responded to reports of a fire on Dark Horse Drive in Volga. Upon arrival, they found grass, brush, and trees engulfed in flames. Officers immediately alerted the resident, Jenny Haddix, who claimed she was unaware of the fire.
While inspecting the scene, officers and Barbour County Sheriff’s Deputy Cpl. C. Parks observed multiple burn sites near Haddix’s residence, with fire patterns suggesting the flames originated from her property. A blue coffee container was found placed on the burnt grass, indicating it was set there after the fire started.
Haddix initially stated she had not been outside all day but later admitted to stepping out to water her flowers. Inside her home, officers reported a strong smell of smoke throughout the residence.
The next day, Division of Forestry Service Forester D. Cooley, an expert in fire investigations, inspected the scene and confirmed that burn patterns suggested multiple ignition points near Haddix’s property. The fire spread across two additional properties, including an active coal mine owned by North Central Resources.
Investigators, including law enforcement and fire experts, believe there is sufficient evidence to suspect Haddix’s involvement in the fire. She was arrested and charged with starting a fire on another land.
