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Three volunteer firefighters from the Hempfield Volunteer Fire Department in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, are facing serious charges after being accused of starting multiple fires. The suspects, identified as 23-year-old Joshua Lightcap, 21-year-old Mason Howard, and an unnamed 16-year-old, allegedly set fires and then responded to extinguish them as part of their duties.
The charges against the trio include arson, following an investigation by East Hempfield Township police. One of the fires, which occurred on Thanksgiving last year, destroyed nearly $18,000 worth of belongings belonging to Lucinda Shade and her husband. Shade recounted being awakened by people ringing her doorbell to alert her of the fire in her backyard. "I just don't understand how people can do that because we've had so many people say, 'How would they do that when they're the ones that are supposed to put the fire out?'" Shade said.
In addition to the fire at Shade's property, the firefighters are accused of starting four other fires between October and November 2024. The police reported that one of these fires resulted in the loss of over $15,000 worth of corn fodder bales. Despite the charges, all three suspects are considered innocent until proven guilty.