String of ‘suspicious’ Kingsland blazes have officials concerned; up to $5,000 in rewards offered

KINGSLAND — More than a dozen "suspicious" fires since June 25 — including five this past weekend — have Llano County officials asking for the public’s help to determine what’s sparking the string of blazes.

"It’s definitely suspicious to have this many fires in a short period of time," said Danny Stone, chief of the Kingsland Volunteer Fire Department. "Three of them were along (RR) 1431."

Though no one is saying the fires are connected, nor have any been ruled arson, state and local agencies are offering up to $5,000 in rewards for information in the episodes.

PHOTO: State Fire Marshal’s Office officials investigate a vacant home that burned July 14 in Kingsland, one of five ‘suspicious’ fires crews battled in the lakeside community during the weekend. Officials said all four structures that burned were vacant while a fifth blaze involved a woodpile at a local church. On June 25, a fire destroyed the future home of the Seton Kingsland Health Care Center between Ridgeview and Nobb Hill streets. State investigators are probing a total of 13 blazes since June 25. Staff photos by Daniel Clifton