Latest suspicious structure fire within a mile of Rockholds fire station

Rockholds and Woodbine firefighters were called out Monday morning to battle a suspicious structure fire just a short distance from the Rockholds fire station.

Rockholds Fire Chief Charles Walker said the fire that destroyed the abandoned house on Golden Street off of Ky. 3423, appears to be similar in nature to a series of fires throughout the county since Jan. 7.

“It was on the ground when we got here,” Walker said of the Golden Street fire. “It has probably been burning for a couple of hours before we were called.”

A neighbor, who was on the scene, said the home had been vacant for more than 20 years.

“It is a known drug and party location,” the neighbor said.

Corbin, Oak Grove, Rockholds and Woodbine firefighters have battled similar blazes on Whetstone Road off of Ky. 779, Fairview Street, Vine View Drive, Ky. 1064 and Fifth Street.

“Right now, it seems like any dwelling that is empty is a target for arsonists,” Walker said previously.

Anyone with information about any of the fires is asked to contact Whitley County dispatch at 549-6017, or Corbin dispatch at 528-1122.

Callers may remain anonymous.