Was Larimore Home Fire ARSON?!!!

The first fire at the historic T. B. Larimore home occurred July 8th. Little damage was reported. Then on the night of July 19th, a second fire heavily damaged the structure located just off Cox Creek Parkway. Who would have wanted to torch the home that had stood for a century and a half?



Local news reports indicate that the Florence fire marshal and insurance investigators are looking into the Thursday night fire. It shouldn't be difficult to determine the cause.

Determining the person responsible for the fire may prove more difficult, but someone surely knows something if it was deliberately set. The crime of arson is usually perpetrated by a male. Sometimes he simply likes fires, but there's a good possibility that these two conflagrations were brought about by someone with a grudge against Mars Hill Bible School which owns the home. 

If it was a firebug, he's enjoying this publicity. If it was a sick and vindictive person who set out for revenge, then he has what he wants and doesn't wish to see publicity that might lead to him. We're hoping these fires generate enough publicity to bring this sicko to justice. Then we're hoping justice is swift and brutal. 

Unfortunately, it would seem the Larimore fire doesn't qualify as First Degree Arson, but only Second Degree. The punishment is two to 20 years in prison. No deals, no mercy, a straight 20 years seems appropriate. That would mean no Correctional Incentive Time, and parole would be doubtful.

To the arsonist we say: How does it feel to be looking at 20 years in the state prison system? If you're a young man, how will it feel to see not only your name, but your parents' names as well published in local news accounts? Think about it every day until you're caught.