NEW ROADS - Nick Powell, 19, has been arrested by authorities for setting at least two of seven house fires in New Roads.

The State Fire Marshal is still investigating the fires and expect more arrests could be coming.

According to investigators, Powell may have set more fires before this year.

"We are going to look at other fires in New Roads and the Pointe Coupee area over the last few months to see if, in fact, these could be related," State Fire Marshal Butch Browning said.

Investigators plan to stay in town as the investigation unfolds and continue patrols in the area.

"It's very discomforting. It makes you think before you go to bed at night that someone may come along and set your house on fire," resident Lionel Paul said. Paul lives near the stretch of seven homes that burned in town the last few days. One had a family inside who lost everything.

"I feel like the person who did it is crazy. I don't know why they did," said London Fields. Fields' home burned.
Powell was arrested Wednesday afternoon, after tips came in from residents.

Firefighters also said there were issues with fire hydrants not working properly and the cause of that is being addressed.

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