Louisiana Firefighter Charged With Arson

A volunteer firefighter with the Longville Fire Department in Beauregard Parish has been charged with arson. Chance Felice was arrested Monday and charged with setting a fire in his own home. He is facing a single count of simple arson.

The Louisiana State Fire Marshal was asked to investigate after the fire chief reported that Felice made some suspicious comments before the fire. The chief also told investigators that Felice had been suspended twice from the department in the past year. Felice admitted setting the fire.

State Fire Marshal Butch Browning was quoted by KATC.com as saying:

  • This is, undoubtedly, a disappointing incident to the Longville community and its fire service.
  • But this instance should not tarnish the dedication that hundreds, if not thousands, of volunteer and career firefighters demonstrate in their communities, across our state, on a daily basis.

More on the story.

About Curt Varone

Curt Varone has over 45 years of fire service experience and 35 as a practicing attorney licensed in both Rhode Island and Maine. His background includes 29 years as a career firefighter in Providence (retiring as a Deputy Assistant Chief), as well as volunteer and paid on call experience. He is the author of two books: Legal Considerations for Fire and Emergency Services, (2006, 2nd ed. 2011, 3rd ed. 2014, 4th ed. 2022) and Fire Officer's Legal Handbook (2007), and is a contributing editor for Firehouse Magazine writing the Fire Law column.
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