Volunteer Firefighter Accused Of Arson In Leesburg, Authorities Say

LOUDOUN COUNTY, VA — A volunteer firefighter from Loudoun County was arrested and accused of setting his own vehicle on fire in Leesburg last month, according to the fire marshal's office.

Authorities said Matthew Christopher Bush was a volunteer with Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company beginning in June 2022. He was suspended by the fire department when he was arrested on Thursday.

Bush is charged with the burning or destroying of personal property valued over $1,000, which is a felony. He is being held without bond in West Virginia pending extradition back to Loudoun County.

If convicted, Bush could face up to 10 years in prison.

The fire occurred on Aug. 12, 2022 on Samuels Mill Court near Leesburg. After an investigation, authorities determined that Bush set fire to his 2021 Honda Civic.

"All Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System members, which includes Purcellville Volunteer Fire Company members, undergo a comprehensive background check including fingerprinting, and a criminal and traffic check of their adult and juvenile records," the fire and rescue system said in a news release. "The Loudoun County Combined Fire and Rescue System requires all members to uphold the LC-CFRS Code of Conduct and Discipline per Chapter 258 of the Codified Ordinances of Loudoun County."