A quiet Thanksgiving afternoon turned chaotic in rural Vernon County when emergency crews rushed to a mobile home engulfed in flames—a fire authorities say was intentionally set by a neighbor.
Vernon County Sheriff Roy Torgerson announced the arrest of 67-year-old Ora H. Wallace following the incident on Thursday, Nov. 27. Wallace, who lives directly across the road from the property on County Road SS in the Town of Liberty, is now facing arson charges.
Dispatchers received the call around 3:30 p.m. When firefighters from Viola, Viroqua, and Readstown arrived, the mobile home was already heavily involved. Despite the efforts of multiple departments, including the Kickapoo Valley Rescue Squad, the structure was a total loss.
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Authorities confirmed that the family residing there was in the process of moving out and, fortunately, no one was inside when the fire started.
Investigators on the scene quickly determined the blaze was suspicious. Evidence pointed to Wallace, leading to his arrest and transport to the Vernon County Detention Center. A Probable Cause Affidavit has been submitted to Judge Timothy J. Gaskell, with Wallace expected to make his initial appearance in Vernon County Circuit Court on Monday.
While the investigation continues with assistance from the State Fire Marshal, Sheriff Torgerson expressed relief that no injuries occurred and praised the first responders—many of whom are volunteers—who left their holiday gatherings to help.
“When you should have been enjoying Thanksgiving Day with your families, you answered the call to serve our community without any reservation,” Torgerson said.
Formal charges are expected to be filed by District Attorney Angela Palmer-Fisher. Wallace remains in custody and is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
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