A string of fires left this SUV and five other properties including homes and barns damaged or destroyed Sunday night. The fires are still under investigation. (Photo Courtesy of WLEX 18 )
Arson is suspected in a string of fires that damaged thousands of dollars of property throughout Estill County over the weekend.
At approximately 5 a.m. Sunday, firefighters responded to a call on Opossum Run Road about a barn fire.
While there, several other calls began to flood in about fires nearby.
Investigators said two abandoned homes, an SUV and three barns were damaged or destroyed by the fires.
Each of the properties involved are located within just a couple of miles of one another. Investigators don’t suspect there to be any connection between the properties other than their close proximity to the road.
Estill County Fire Chief Derrick Muncie said the case is still under investigation, and although investigators have some leads, nothing is confirmed yet.
He also said that the cause of the fires is still under investigation but, the causes seem suspicious.
“They all seem suspicious,” he said. “None of the barns have any electricity running to them and neither did the homes. They were all vacant.”
Kentucky State Police Arson Investigator Pat Alford said nothing can be confirmed about the official cause of the fires.
Muncie said detectives have been looking at the damages this week.
Alford said the process of investigation is different with each fire and couldn’t give any timeline as to when an official cause could be established.
An estimate of the total damages has also not yet been determined.
No one was injured in the fires. In addition to the county fire department, Hargett and Waco Fire Departments assisted.
Anyone that may have information about the fires is encouraged to call the KSP Arson Task Force at 1-800-27ARSON.
Alford said a reward up to $1,000 is offered to anyone who provides information that leads to arrest and conviction of someone responsible for the fires.
Callers can choose to remain anonymous when reporting tips.
Those with information can also contact the Estill County Fire Department at 723-2661.