Man arrested, charged with arson in Myrtle area fire

New Albany, MS– A Union County man has been charged with arson in connection with a fire Monday morning that destroyed a house and other property.

Several volunteer fire departments and the New Albany Fire Department responded to the fire at 1016 County Road 50, about four air miles south/southeast of Myrtle. They fought multiple blazes including burning grass.

Billy Hale, born in 1948, is charged with felony arson.

An occupied house, several motor vehicles and other small buildings were consumed by the flames.

No deaths or serious injuries were reported.

Billy Hale, believed to be the owner of the property, was arrested and is charged with felony arson. He is held in the Union County Jail. Union County Sheriff Jimmy Edwards said that Hale, age 68, has had multiple prior encounters with law enforcement agencies.