Liberty, Wisconsin – A quiet Thanksgiving afternoon turned into a dangerous emergency after a local man allegedly set his neighbor’s home on fire, reducing the residence to a complete loss. Authorities say the family who lived in the mobile home was in the process of moving out and was not present when the blaze erupted.
Deputies with the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office arrested Ora Wallace, 67, on suspicion of arson. The investigation remains ongoing, and the Vernon County District Attorney’s Office is expected to review formal charges soon.
What Authorities Found at the Scene
Emergency dispatchers received a report around 3:30 p.m. on Thanksgiving Day about a mobile home fire on County Road SS in Liberty. Deputies, Viroqua Police officers, and multiple fire departments rushed to the scene as heavy smoke and flames engulfed the structure.
Officials confirmed that no one was inside the home, noting that the residents were in transition and had been “in the process of moving out.” Fire crews worked to extinguish the blaze, but the residence was ultimately declared “a total loss.”
Photos captured by investigators showed collapsed walls, exposed metal framework, and charred wood beams where the home once stood.
Investigators Quickly Suspected Arson
According to the sheriff’s office, investigators determined early in their assessment that the fire had been intentionally set. Their inquiry soon led them to a suspect: Wallace, who lived directly across the road from the destroyed mobile home.
He was arrested at the scene and booked into the Vernon County Jail, where he remains pending his initial court appearance scheduled for Monday in Vernon County Circuit Court.
Firefighters Worked Through the Holiday
Local responders—many of them volunteers—remained on-site until 6 p.m., ensuring the flames were fully extinguished and no other properties were at risk.
Sheriff Roy Torgerson issued a statement expressing appreciation for the emergency crews who worked during the holiday.
“I am extremely grateful that no one was hurt,” Torgerson said. “Although this should never have happened, I would like to thank everyone who responded. Many of these emergency services are staffed entirely by volunteers.”
“When you should have been enjoying Thanksgiving Day with your families, you answered the call to serve our community without any reservation,” he added.
What’s Known About Motive
The sheriff’s office has not released any suspected motive behind the alleged Thanksgiving arson. No further details about Wallace’s relationship or interactions with the neighbors have been disclosed.
Damage Assessment and Community Impact
The loss of the mobile home has left the affected family without a permanent residence amid an already stressful relocation phase. Officials have not yet released an estimate of the total financial damage, though photographs show severe structural destruction from end to end.
Fire officials also noted that mobile homes are particularly vulnerable to spreading fires due to lightweight construction materials and tight interior spacing, underscoring how quickly this incident escalated.
Safety Reminders for Residents
Authorities encourage residents to remain vigilant about suspicious activity, especially during holiday periods when many homes may be vacant.
Basic community safety reminders include:
- Reporting unusual behavior or smells, such as smoke, immediately
- Ensuring vacant homes or homes in transition are regularly checked
- Making sure smoke detectors are functional even during move-outs
- Maintaining clear access for emergency vehicles in rural areas
These steps can help reduce the risk of similar incidents and protect both property and lives.
What Happens Next
Wallace’s court appearance Monday will determine the next steps in the legal process. Formal charges, potential bail conditions, and future hearing dates will be decided in the coming days as prosecutors review the investigative reports.
Anyone with additional information related to the Thanksgiving Day fire is urged to contact the Vernon County Sheriff’s Office.
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