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Three local firefighters have been charged with arson, Belmont County officials said Tuesday.
Thomas Phillips, Alexander Avila and Dustin Lewis, all 18 years old, are volunteers with the Rock Hill Fire Department.
Prosecutor Chris Berhalter said the investigation began after crews responded to an abandoned home on Hospital Road near Bellaire.
Crews who responded were able to quickly contain the small blaze, but said they determined several areas where it appeared the fire was intentionally set. Further, the home had not had electric service for the last 25 years.
Berhalter said it's too early to say if the three men will be allowed to continue volunteering for the fire department.
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-Renee Cardelli & Amy Post, NEWS9
