The Taylor County Sheriff’s Office reports a former firefighter on the Blockton Fire Department, was arrested Thursday, on arson charges. Authorities say 21-year old James Drake, of Blockton, faces five counts of Arson in the 3rd degree. At the request of officials with the Blockton Fire Dept. an investigation was started after several suspicious grass fires occurred in the Blockton Fire district. The current charges against Drake are with regard to fires set within the last several weeks, although it is believed that Drake is responsible for setting grass fires that span multiple years.

Since his arrest, Drake has been removed from the Blockton Fire Department.  He was arrested at the Taylor County Law Enforcement Center, Thursday, and later posted a $2,000 cash bond before being released.