Police believe Corbin home being targeted by arsonist

Believe think this home, located on Phillips Lane in Corbin, is the target of an arsonist. It has caught fire twice since May 13.

One might be an accident, but a second fire at a home on Phillips Lane — this one involving accelerant — has Corbin Police working to confirm or deny arson.

Corbin Firefighters were called to the home at 901 Phillips Lane on May 13 for a fire in the laundry room and again May 19 to battle a fire in the bedrooms.

Firefighters noted in both instances the call came in about 11:30 p.m. and the family occupying the house was reportedly at the movies when the fire started.

Firefighters were able to contain the fire Saturday to the back bedroom. However, Corbin Police Det. Rusty Hedrick noted there was a trail of accelerant on the ground leading from outside to the other two bedrooms.

"We collected samples and sent them to the Kentucky State Police Crime Lab for analysis," Hedrick said.

The homeowner is Norma Collins. However, Collins’ son, daughter-in-law and four grandchildren live in the house.

"They are all out of town right now," Hedrick said, noting that there is nothing that leads police to suspect Norma Collins is involved.

The fire in the laundry room started in a stack of magazines on top of the dryer. Fire department Battalion Chief Larry Jones said the only damage done during that fire was to a cabinet directly above the dryer.

Hedrick noted that the cause of the fire remains unknown. No investigation was done and the family did not contact the insurance company.

"There was a candle sitting on the counter but there was nothing near it," Jones said when asked if there was anything nearby that might have ignited the magazines.

Upon completion of the investigation, Hedrick said he will present the results to a Whitley County Grand Jury to determine whether criminal charges are warranted.