Firefighter says he set blaze that led to fellow firefighter’s death, WV officials say

A West Virginia community mourning the loss of a volunteer firefighter, who died after responding to a major fire, was hit with another gut-punch Thursday when a fellow firefighter confessed to intentionally starting the blaze, authorities said.

Robert Lee Beckner, a 36-year-old member of the Iaeger Volunteer Fire Department, was arrested Thursday and has been charged with first-degree murder and three counts of first-degree arson for the death and destruction caused by setting his own home on fire, according to the West Virginia State Fire Marshal.

Authorities said Beckner’s home caught on fire twice, according to a criminal complaint filed in McDowell County Magistrate Court, the Bluefield Daily Telegraph reported.

Responding to the first incident on June 20, firefighters investigated Beckner’s home after the fire was out and noted “irregular burn patterns” throughout the structure.

Firefighters responded again the next day for a “rekindle” of the fire, which had spread to two homes on either side of it, according to the Telegraph.

McDowell County firefighter Russell Roberson, 42, was on the scene that night, the Telegraph reported, and suffered injuries from smoke inhalation while trying to stop a man from running back into his burning mobile home.

Roberson died en route to the hospital, according to the state Fire Marshal’s Office.

His funeral was held Friday.

“The support that the family and fire department has received during this tragic loss has been nothing short of tremendous,” the Iaeger Volunteer Fire Department posted June 22 on Facebook. “Please continue to remember the Roberson family in your prayers.”

Other departments and area residents expressed sympathy for the loss.

“That is how small hometowns get through tragedy. By helping each other overcome,” one commenter wrote. “God bless the family and friends.”

On June 25, Beckner admitted to investigators that he started the fire using notebook paper and lighter fluid, Metro News reported.

Iaeger Mayor Joe Ford told the outlet that Roberson, a 15-year veteran of the department, was passionate about the job.

“Russell [Roberson] was probably there more than anyone at nights on call. He loved what he did,” Ford said, adding that he’s known both men and their families for years.

“I’m sure Robbie [Beckner], he didn’t expect to do that but, when things like that happen, you never know what occurs and what occurred was the death of one of his friends and fellow firemen.”

Authorities say the case is still under investigation.

Beckner was arraigned Thursday and is being held in the Southwestern Regional Jail, according to the state Fire Marshal.

This story was originally published June 26, 2020 at 6:02 PM.