Cashville fire is 68th suspected arson

ONANCOCK, Va. (WAVY) - Crews responded to an unoccupied structure fire in Onancock late Thursday evening and arson is suspected.

The fire sparked around 10:45 p.m. along Cashville Road. WAVY News' Jason Marks was on the scene and said the building was fully engulfed in flames, almost burned all the way to the ground. Crews from Tasley and Onancock responded to the fire.

Photos: Former schoolhouse arson

Nearby resident, Emory Hurst told WAVY.com the building that burned was most recently used to store farm equipment.  Hurst said, before that, it was an old schoolhouse used in the early 1900s.

"My grandmother went to school here and she was born in 1904," said Hurst.  "It still had the old blackboards that were painted."

Hurst said the building was surrounded by other empty buildings, which worried him as his own home is not far away.

"I don't usually go to fires," explained Hurst.  "But, this is close to home and this is one I've been predicting."

Sheriff's deputies had patrolled abandoned buildings and wooded areas throughout the area Thursday evening.

Nearly 70 structures have been set on fire on the Eastern Shore since mid-November.

Firefighters are in need of supplies such as coffee creamer and sugar, coffee cups, hot chocolate, water and other items. Drop off locations have been set up as follows:

• Arcadia Nursing and Rehab
• Cycle Creations in New Church
• Highway Market in New Church
• Pocomoke Animal Hospital
• Contours Express in Exmore
• Tangled Salon in Exmore

State Police are offering a $25,000 reward for information leading up to an arrest and conviction.