House Fire Called “Incendiary” & “Suspicious”

Alexander – Five fire departments responded to a structure fire near the intersection of Panther Branch and Old Marshall Hwy. French Broad Fire Department, assisted by Woodfin, Leicester, Weaverville, and Jupiter Fire Departments, responded to the abandoned house fire, which was a total loss. Buncombe County Fire Marshall Kevin Tipton told the Tribune that the fire started externally and there was no power to the house. When asked if he would classify it as arson, Tipton would say only that the fire “ was “incendiary” in origin and was “suspicious.” He also said the Buncombe County Arson Task Force was now investigating.