Arsonist targets two houses

ROCKWELL — Two houses under construction were burned overnight by an arsonist who may have watched as dozens of firefighters from seven departments battled the fires.

Officials fearing more fires at homes under construction in Stonebriar Estates asked the Rowan Sheriff’s Department to patrol the area while they fought the second fire.

Fire Marshal Arthur Delaney and several firemen remained on the scene this morning awaiting an investigator from the State Bureau of Investigation.

Two new homes with a total value of more than $300,000 were destroyed.

Delaney said he hoped to bring in a tracking dog to pick up the scent of the arsonists.

The Rockwell Rural Department responded to a call at 12:05 this morning to 477 Adrian Road in the development just off the 1300 block of Gold Knob Road.

Delaney said a passing motorist reported seeing a large fire in the woods. When firemen arrived, they found the house burned to the ground.

Barry and Frances Justice owned the house, which was almost completed. Delaney said Barry Justice indicated they expected to move in within two weeks.

A fire unit coming to the scene nearly an hour later reported seeing fire in a house just up the street.

Rockwell Rural and Liberty firefighters quickly picked up equipment and moved to 386 Adrian Road, the address of another house under construction.

Wayne and Onalee Kobiska of Granite Quarry owned that house, which was about a month away from completion.

Onalee Kobiska said they had signed all the contracts and were about two months away from moving in. They got word about the house from their contractor, Byron Brush. He called them about 4 a.m.and told them that their home had been set on fire.

Delaney fell through the floor of the burning second home but was not injured.

Firemen quickly determined that the fire had been set at several locations in the house and over the garage.

“We thought we could have a good save. To come off one, pull up everything and redeploy, they (members of the Rockwell Rural Fire Department) worked their butts off,” Delaney said.

But the fire accelerated rapidly. Firefighters from Rockwell City, Granite Quarry, Bostian Heights and Faith responded, along with a unit of the Rowan Rescue squad.

An estimated 60 firemen were on hand, but by the time they knocked it down, only the walls remained.

Delaney said early today he had talked with the builders, the developer and the homeowners. “They don’t understand it. There is no reason,” he said.

Delaney said the builders indicated there had been thefts of materials and equipment from the sites.

“One of our concerns is that the individual who set the second one had to do it while we were at the first one,” said Delaney. “We’re thinking he was watching.”

Timothy Draper was building Barry Justice’s “dream home.” They met at the charred remains early today.

Draper said their dream will be rebuilt and they are grateful no one was hurt.

He is very upset but will concentrate on rebuilding the house. “They didn’t just hurt me, they hurt other families too,” Draper said.

Rowan Deputy J.G. Lawson began patrolling the area, which has several other houses under construction.

Contact Jessie Burchette at jburchette@salisburypost.com  or call 704-797-4254.