Detective says there is a need for a 'fire starter' program

Three major fires in Greenville in four years, it's about time to re-establish a "fire starter" program aimed at children that have a possible problem with playing with fire, said Greenville Police Detective Eric Roberts.

His comments came during the discussion of the latest fire, October 30, 2011 at Miami Valley Vending Service on Martin Street in Greenville.

A 9-year-old boy was charged with aggravated arson, but recently a juvenile judge in Darke County found the lad not competent to stand trial.

Other fires date back to September 2007 on Montgomery Street in a multiple death residential fire. A 9-year-old also charged with setting that blaze.

Then on July 16, 2010 two teens were charged with starting a fire in downtown Greenville. They were bored on a Friday night. Prior to setting what ended up as a huge fire, the pair had started a number of dumpster fires in the downtown area.

Both 18-year-olds are in prison.