West Virginia Firefighter Still Critical; Second Arson Suspect Sought

BERKELEY COUNTY, W.Va. -- West Virginia police are still looking for another suspect in the barn fire that was intentionally set last week. So far, they've arrested a volunteer firefighter who allegedly set the blaze that seriously injured one of his colleagues.

James Blackford was arrested Saturday in connection to the fire that sent Kenneth Ayers to the hospital, but police say Blackford didn't act alone, and they plan to serve a warrant this week to the other suspect in the case.

As for Ayers, he is still in critical condition at the Washington Hospital Center in Washington, D.C.

Chief Martin Roberts with the Baker Heights Volunteer Fire Department says, "Knowing Kenny, and the fighter that he is, I'm going to say that Kenny will make it. He's made it this far. Kenny will be back on the street."

Lt. Gary Harmison with the Berkeley Co. Sheriff's Office says, "Blackord knew that the fire was burning and took no action to put the fire out before, and that's what we based the malicious part on."

As for the other arson cases in West Virginia that are still unsolved, the Sheriff's Department says they have several leads. Police plan to make an arrest this week in connection to the fire that happened on April 5th at the Roadway Inn.

Police also say the three arson fires that happened in one day in Berkeley County are connected, but they don't have any leads yet.

Firefighters have set up a fund for Kenneth Ayers through Centra Bank to help take care of him after he gets out of the hospital. If you're interested in making a donation, you can visit any of the Centra Bank's locations, and ask about the Injured Firefighter Kenneth Ayers Fund. For more information on Centra Bank, visit their website here.

Republished with permission of WHAG-TV.