On June 2 at around 6 a.m., the Huntsville, Texas Fire Department was called in to fight a blazing fire at a local building, which contained a sign shop and barbershop.
“We were dispatched to a commercial fire at 404 IH 45 South,” Huntsville Fire Department Chief Greg Mathis told the Huntsville Item. “Dispatch was advised to sound a second alarm for additional resources.”
According to the Huntsville Item, smoke filled the air and flames could be seen from the local Interstate 45 in both directions early that Sunday morning. The fire department arrived to heavy fire coming from the large metal commercial building containing Dekapoli’s Barber Shop and The Sign Shop. According to the fire department chief, there were no injuries or deaths from the fire.
More recently on August 15, an arrest was made in connection to the fire. KBTV Beaumont reports the Huntsville Police Department made an arrest last week in connection to the June fire. After the fire department handled the danger, Huntsville police, the Houston Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and other area officials investigated the fire.
Through the investigation, officials found evidence that suggested the fire was set intentionally. According to KBTV, Paul Kinser, 51, was identified as a person of interest in the case and authorities gathered enough information to charge him with second-degree felony arson. He is now being held at the Walker County Jail. A bond has not yet been set for this charge.
