Volunteer Firefighter Charged in Setting Area Fires

A volunteer firefighter for the Kelley Fire Department has been charged with three counts of second-degree arson for setting several fires in southwestern Story County, according to a release from the Story County Sheriff's office.

Brett Graham, 19, of Kelley, was seen leaving the scene of a fire near Kelley Thursday and during an interview, Graham admitted to setting the Feb. 14 fire as well as several others in the Boone and Story County area.

Ray Reynolds, State Fire Marshal, said his office was called in to assist about two months ago after authorities noticed that fires in the area were above normal. Reynolds could not provide a full list of structure fires that Graham admitted to being involved in but said that Graham's vehicle was seen at a barn fire Thursday and that there was an unusual number of fires occurring in the past year.

Graham is being held on a $30,000 bond in Story County Jail. Second-degree arson is a Class C felony, punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

The charges stem from a fire at 30391 520^th Ave., Oct. 5, a fire at the ISU Golf Facility 3927 S. US Highway 69 on Jan. 17 and the Kelley barn fire at 27948 530^th Ave., said Story County Sheriff Capt. Barry Thomas.

More charges are likely, Reynolds said.

The investigation continues and people with information are asked to contact Story County Sheriff Sgt. Rodney Bunn at 515-382-7476.

Also, anyone wanting to anonymously report information on this case may contact Story County Crime Stoppers at 515-382-7577, or by texting “STORYCOUNTY”, followed by your information to 274637 (Crimes) or by going online to www.storycountycs.com.

Rewards up to $1,000 may be given from Story County Crime Stoppers for information proving valuable to investigators.

Ames Newsletter/Ames Patch Facebook page/Twitter: @AmesPatch.