Man Who Intentionally Set Multiple Mulch Fires In Fredericksburg Arrested, Officials Say

FREDERICKSBURG, VA — A 42-year-old man was arrested on Monday after witnesses reported seeing him intentionally set multiple mulch fires along Plank Road in Fredericksburg, according to fire officials.

Brandon Fairchild, who has no fixed address, was charged with setting fire to woods, fences, grass or other property after fires were reported in the 3000 block of Plank Road on Monday afternoon, the Fredericksburg Fire Department said in a statement.

He was taken to the Rappahannock Regional Jail, where he is being held without bond.

Witnesses told first responders they saw a man intentionally ignite one of the fires and provided a description of him. Police officers and fire investigators searched the area but were unable to locate him.

As the investigation continued, personnel with the Fredericksburg Fire Marshal's Office reviewed potential surveillance footage from nearby businesses and identified a suspect.

Investigators later located the man at Spotsylvania Towne Centre, where he was detained with assistance from the Spotsylvania County Sheriff's Office and Fredericksburg Police Department. A witness subsequently identified him as the person who set one of the fires, officials said.

Fire officials said the fires were extinguished quickly, preventing them from spreading to nearby buildings or causing more extensive damage. No injuries were reported.

The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with additional information is asked to contact the Fredericksburg Fire Marshal's Office at 540-372-1059 or the Fredericksburg Police Department at 540-373-3122, option 2.