Fire Co. Responds To Montco Arson After Firefighter Sets 3 Fires In 30 Hours: Police

SOUDERTON, PA — The fire department that employed the firefighter who set three fires in a two-day span in Montgomery County issued a statement this week condemning the incidents, which caused significant destruction and placed numerous lives in danger.

Justin Sholly, 29, a volunteer who has been charged with arson and numerous related counts, has been suspended from the organization "with intent to remove upon future outcomes," Perseverance Volunteer Fire Company, based in Souderton, said in a statement.

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"The actions described in the criminal charges stand in complete opposition to the core values, mission, and dedication of our company," the company added. "We want to assure the community that this incident does not represent the character or integrity of our dedicated volunteers."

See previous coverage: Montco Firefighter Set 3 Fires In 2 Days: Authorities

The first blaze was set in the early morning hours of May 29 near the intersection of Forman Road and Schoolhouse Road in Franconia Township. According to state police, wood logs had been lit. Hours later, just after 4 a.m., a garage and barn were lit on fire at Wile Avenue and Lumber Street, the report states said.

The major destruction was incurred when Sholly lit a barn on fire at the property of the old County Line Nursery on May 30, at around 4:30 a.m. The massive fire ripped through the property, starting in a barn and causing significant damage to other structures around the area.

In the latter two fires, the blazes were within range of occupied homes in the area, authorities said.

Sholly admitted to intentionally setting the fires when confronted by state police, according to officials.

Perseverance Fire Co. said they wanted the public to know their services would not be impacted moving forward and that they remained "fully operational."

They added that they are continuing to work with state police on the investigation.

Sholly was booked at Montgomery County Correctional Facility on May 31 after failing to post $500,000 bail. A preliminary hearing is set for June 10.