VA Firefighter Charged with Setting Vacant Building Fire

A Virginia firefighter, who responded to a building fire, is now behind bars charged with setting the blaze.

Ray Boyd Kerns, 36, was part of the first crew from Woodstock Fire Department to respond to the fire Friday night, The Winchester Star reported. 

Kerns, who was charged with felony arson and destruction of property, was denied bail and remains in jail.

A surveillance video reportedly showed Kerns on the property about a half hour before the fire was noticed, the paper reported.

Shenandoah County Assistant Fire Marshal Joe Loving told reporters that Kerns went to the police department and during an interview, allegedly admitted to starting the fire in the vacant structure built in 1902.

The building is owned by Lena Frances Keegan, who has been missing since August 2021, according to published reports.

The fire marshal said the investigations of both are continuing.