MARTINSBURG, W.Va. -- Two firefighters were sent to the hospital Tuesday after they were injured while battling a barn fire in Berkeley County.
Fire officials are now investigating if the blaze was set intentionally.
The fire is now the third arson investigation for local authorities since Saturday.
Members of the Bedington Fire Department reportedly learned of the blaze, located down the street, after someone came to their fire house in person
When firefighters looked down the street they noticed two people running away from the scene at Mid Atlantic Parkway and Williamsport Pike.
The firefighters injured are believed to be from the Bedington and Baker Heights Fire Departments.
Officials speculate a gust of wind may have caused a piece of wood to fall off the barn and on top of the firefighters.
As of Tuesday night, the firefighter from Bedington was listed in stable condition at City Hospital; the other firefighter had to be transported to Fairfax Hospital for treatment of extensive head injuries.
Firefighters say they are concerned about the growing number of arson cases in area and want something done about it.
Tom Newcomb, of the Fire Chief at Bedington Fire Department tells NBC25, "I actually contacted the fire marshal yesterday because I'm concerned for our guys, our safety or the public getting hurt. You wonder at what point how bad it is going to get. The fire marshal assured me they are going to beef up staffing in this area."
It took more than 50 firefighters and about two and a half hours to put the fire out.
Crews returned to the scene on Wednesday morning to put out hot spots that re-kindled.
In recent weeks, there have been nearly a dozen arson investigations in Berkeley County.
The barn destroyed in Tuesday's fire was only used for storage.
Officials say its owner is out of town.
Republished with permission of WHAG-TV.
