Souderton, Pennsylvania — A Pennsylvania volunteer firefighter is facing a long list of criminal charges after investigators accused him of intentionally setting three separate fires over a 30-hour period and then helping respond to some of the emergencies as part of his fire company.
Authorities say the suspect, 29-year-old Justin Sholly of Souderton, allegedly admitted to starting all three fires after investigators connected him to the incidents through surveillance footage, vehicle tracking data and physical evidence.
Three Suspicious Fires Spark Investigation
According to investigators, the first fire occurred shortly after 12:25 a.m. Friday near Forman and Schoolhouse roads in Franconia Township.
Firefighters responded to find a pile of wood logs burning near the roadway.
Later that same morning, at approximately 4:17 a.m., crews were dispatched to a second fire involving a detached garage and barn near Lumber Street and Wile Avenue in Souderton.
Authorities noted that the blaze occurred only about 50 feet from two occupied homes, where 10 people were reportedly inside at the time.
The following morning, at approximately 4:31 a.m. Saturday, firefighters were called to a large structure fire near Harleysville Pike and Schoolhouse Road.
When crews arrived, they found a barn, shed, gazebo, outhouse and three vehicles engulfed in flames. Officials said eight people were inside a nearby home when the fire broke out.
Investigators Connect All Three Fires
Following an extensive investigation involving the Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal, authorities determined that all three incidents were intentionally set and likely connected.
Investigators then reviewed automated license plate reader data from areas surrounding each fire scene.
According to the criminal complaint, a black 2015 Ford Edge appeared near all three locations between Thursday night and Saturday morning.
The vehicle was eventually traced back to Sholly, who served as a volunteer firefighter with the Perseverance Volunteer Fire Company.
Authorities also obtained surveillance footage allegedly showing Sholly driving into the fire company parking lot just minutes before firefighters were dispatched to the final blaze.
Evidence Found During Investigation
When investigators arrived at Sholly’s residence to interview him, they reportedly observed several items inside his vehicle that raised suspicion.
According to court documents, authorities saw a fire starter log, wood logs, and a lighter inside the Ford Edge. After obtaining search warrants, investigators searched both the vehicle and the garage at Sholly’s home.
Police said they recovered wood logs, lighter fluid, a Bic lighter, a Motorola fire radio and a box containing fire-starting materials. The evidence further strengthened investigators’ belief that Sholly was responsible for the fires.
Former Boss Allegedly Lived Near One Fire
During questioning, authorities say Sholly admitted to setting all three fires.
Investigators also claim he told detectives that a former employer who fired him in 2025 lived near the location of the second fire on West Chestnut Street.
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The revelation became a significant focus of the investigation as detectives examined possible motives behind the alleged arson attacks.
Authorities have not publicly stated whether the former employer was specifically targeted.
Firefighter Allegedly Returned to Fight Fires He Set
One of the most shocking allegations in the case is that Sholly allegedly responded to two of the emergency calls alongside fellow firefighters after setting the fires himself.
Investigators say he admitted that he first went to the fire station and then responded to the scenes as part of the emergency response team.
Sholly was arrested and charged with arson, reckless burning or exploding, criminal trespass, recklessly endangering another person, and several related offenses.
He is currently being held in Montgomery County Prison after failing to post bail. His preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 10.
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