Durham, NC, Firefighter Faces Arson Charges for Fire at His Home

Police say the Durham firefighter set fire to his occupied home after physically assaulting his wife.

Nov. 25, 2025

2 min read

Elaina Athans
The Herald-Sun, Durham, N.C.
(TNS)

The Orange County District Attorney’s Office says Billy Wayne Smith, who’s a firefighter with the City of Durham, set a fire in his family home and physically assaulted his wife.

Deputies were called to the house early Sunday morning.

The incident allegedly happened while Smith’s 7-year-old child and mother-in-law were there.

The prosecutor said in court that when deputies arrived, Smith became combative with law enforcement, and he was placed under an involuntary commitment.

The wife was also injured in the incident.

Smith is facing five charges, including felony first-degree arson.

His wife, who was there to support him, told the court that “He was in crisis” and “He’s not a dangerous man when he’s sober. I don’t know what triggered this situation.”

ABC11 tried to speak with Smith’s wife after court. She did not want to comment, but she did ask the judge to release him and said the situation “spiraled beyond what I could handle.”

ABC11 learned in court that Smith was charged in 2015 with assault on a female, and earlier this year, the prosecutor said there was another incident involving a firearm.

Smith worked part-time for the Mebane Fire Department from 2012 until 2017.

Durham Fire Chief Christoper Iannuzzi said, “The department is taking these allegations seriously and is reviewing the matter in accordance with city policies and procedures.”

The judge set Smith’s bail at $200,000 and ordered him not to have contact with his wife if he is released.

ABC11 is The News & Observer’s newsgathering partner.