New arson case for Johnston County authorities
Johnston County authorities say they are investigating another case of arson after fire burned an abandoned house in Four Oaks early Friday. More than 30 suspicious fires have been set in Johnston County since last Halloween.
Posted — UpdatedFour Oaks Fire Chief Barry Stanley said that a call about the fire at 4768 U.S. Highway 301 South came in around 12:45 a.m.
Firefighters from Four Oaks, Smithfield and Strickland's Crossroads brought the fire under control within 10 minutes of their arrival, he said. The blaze was contained to front living room.
At least a third of the structure sustained smoke and water damage. No one was injured.
Stanley said that the fire was suspicious, and the fire marshal was reviewing evidence to see if it was connected to more than 30 other cases of arson in Johnston County since Halloween 2009.
Those fires have been concentrated in three areas – barns and abandoned homes in southwestern Johnston County, including Four Oaks; uninhabited homes in the Clayton area; and vacant homes in Smithfield.
The string of fires in the Four Oaks area began in February.
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