A volunteer firefighter from Pennsylvania faces serious charges after allegedly setting three fires in Montgomery County over a 30-hour period, then responding to two of the scenes as part of his fire company’s crew, according to investigators.

Justin Tyler Sholly, 29, was arrested and charged with multiple felonies including arson, reckless burning, causing catastrophe, criminal mischief, and possessing incendiary materials. Te fires occurred between Friday and Saturday in late May in Souderton Borough and Franconia Township, Pennsylvania.

The first fire happened early Friday morning at a detached garage near occupied homes in Souderton. Later that day, a wood pile was set ablaze in Franconia Township. The most severe incident took place early Saturday morning at the former County Line Nursery, where a barn was destroyed, multiple vehicles were damaged, and a nearby residence with eight people inside was threatened. Investigators found no accidental ignition source at any of the scenes and determined all three fires had been intentionally set.

Authorities linked Sholly to the fires using automatic license plate reader data, showing his vehicle near the fire locations at key times. Surveillance footage from the Perseverance Volunteer Fire Company, where Sholly volunteered, also placed him at the firehouse just before the barn fire call. According to an affidavit cited by WHTM, Sholly admitted to police that he used fire logs and a lighter to start the fires. He told investigators he set one fire near the home of a former employer who had fired him in 2025.

A search of Sholly’s vehicle and a detached garage uncovered fire logs, lighter fluid, lighters, and other fire-starting materials. Sholly’s alleged actions put several residents at risk, but no injuries were reported.

He was taken into custody Sunday and is being held on $500,000 cash bail at Montgomery County Prison. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 10 before Magisterial District Judge Adam Katzman. The Perseverance Volunteer Fire Company has suspended Sholly.

Ron Wilson

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