State fire marshal investigating 3 arson fires, including one in Buras

Published: Saturday, December 24, 2011, 4:25 PM Updated: Saturday, December 24, 2011, 5:38 PM

State fire marshal's office deputies are investigating three unrelated arson fires that occurred early Saturday morning in Plaquemines, Iberville and DeSoto parishes. Nobody was injured in the fires, though the flames did cause hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of damage to two homes and a church, according to a news release.



"The damage was pretty substantial in all three cases," said H. "Butch" Browning, the state fire marshal.

About 4:50 a.m., the Plaquemine Fire Department responded to a burning mobile home at 20237 Toni Lane in Iberville Parish. Two people asleep inside the home "narrowly escaped," according to the release.

Fire marshal's deputies said the fire was intentionally set and was related to a dispute among drug dealers. Deputies identified Christopher James Thomas, 23, as a suspect, and are asking the public's help in finding him.

The morning's other two fires are believed to be suspicious, though officers have not identified any suspects.

Around 4 a.m., the Logansport Volunteer Fire Department in DeSoto Parish responded to a fire at First Baptist Church at 1009 Gum St. It took many hours for firefighters to control the flames. The church's sanctuary was destroyed, but firefighters saved the fellowship hall, according to the release.

Around 1:50 a.m., the Buras Volunteer Fire Department in Plaquemines Parish responded to a report of a fire at a home at 141 East Collins Drive. Investigators said they believe the fire was set by burglars who wanted to cover up their crime.

The fire marshal's office is working jointly with the Plaquemines Parish Sheriff's Office in investigating the fire.

The public can provide confidential information through the arson hotline at 866.946.1097.

http://www.nola.com/crime/index.ssf/2011/12/state_fire_marshal_investigati.html