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Man accused of setting fire that destroyed West Asheville home

Man accused of setting fire that destroyed West Asheville home

A man has been arrested and charged with arson after a fire destroyed a Park Lane Avenue residence Wednesday morning in West Asheville. Photo: Contributed/Asheville Fire Department


ASHEVILLE, N.C. (828newsNOW) — A man has been arrested and charged with arson after a fire destroyed a residence Wednesday morning in West Asheville, police said.

The Asheville Fire Department responded to a blaze around 8:22 a.m. Wednesday, Aug. 20, on Park Lane Avenue and found a mobile home engulfed in flames, authorities said. The fire destroyed the structure, but no one was inside at the time and no injuries were reported.

Fire investigators determined the fire was intentionally set. Following a joint investigation, Asheville police charged Jacob Shelly Porter, 27, with second-degree arson and burning personal property.

Porter was booked into the Buncombe County Detention Facility under a $20,000 secured bond.

Police reminded the public that arson is a serious crime with potentially devastating consequences.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Asheville police at 828-252-1110 or submit an anonymous tip through the TIP2APD app or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.

Anyone with information regarding this incident is encouraged to contact the Asheville Police Department at (828) 252-1110. Anonymous tips can also be submitted through the TIP2APD smartphone application (available by searching “Asheville PD” in your app store) or by texting TIP2APD to 847411.

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