VIRGINIA BEACH — The Tuesday night fire that injured a man in the Carolanne Farms section of the city was intentionally set, according to the Virginia Beach Fire Department.
Shortly after noon Wednesday, fire officials announced the arrest of 31-year-old Ryan Pipkin. The Virginia Beach man is charged with arson to an occupied dwelling.
Fire investigators released very few details Wednesday about the incident, citing an open investigation.
At around 10:30 p.m. Tuesday, Virginia Beach Fire crews along with a crew from Norfolk Fire and Rescue were sent to a home in the 5500 block of Whirlaway Road.
“The first unit on the scene reported heavy smoke coming from the first floor of the two-story home,” said Art Kohn Jr., spokesman for the Virginia Beach Fire Department. “They also found a man sitting on the ground outside the house suffering from burns to the face and smoke inhalation.”
The man, who has yet to be identified, was taken to a hospital.
Kohn said crews had the fire under control within 12 minutes, and “declared out 30 minutes later.”
No firefighters were injured and no other homes were affected by the fire.
