Liberty, WI – A 67-year-old man is in custody following a Thanksgiving Day fire that destroyed a neighbor’s home. Ora Wallace has been arrested on suspicion of arson, with formal charges pending from the Vernon County District Attorney.
Emergency responders received a report at 3:30 p.m. of a mobile home fire on County Road SS. No occupants were present at the residence as the family was in the process of moving out.
Firefighters from four departments extinguished the blaze, declaring the home a total loss. Damage assessments revealed destroyed walls and charred support beams.
Officials determined that the fire was intentionally set. Investigators identified Wallace as the suspect due to his proximity to the residence.
Wallace has been taken to the county jail. He is expected to appear in Vernon County Circuit Court on Monday.
All emergency personnel had cleared the scene by 6 p.m. Sheriff Roy Torgerson expressed gratitude for the first responders, citing the importance of their service during the holiday.
Details regarding the motive for Wallace’s actions have not been disclosed.