An Iron City man has been charged with two counts of arson after he was accused of setting fires Wednesday night at vacant houses in Alabama and Tennessee.

Twenty four year old Joshua J. Martin,of Whitten School Road, was charged Thursday for starting fires that heavily damaged houses at 5195 Roberson Road and 3745 George Olive Road in southern Wayne County accoridng to Sheriff Ric Wilson said.

Lauderdale County sheriff’s officials said Martin is a suspect in fires that heavily damaged two houses – one at 926 Lauderdale 127, Florence, and the other at 4780 Lauderdale 11, Florence. Those fires also occurred Wednesday night. Deputies said the Lauderdale County houses were within 10 miles of the houses that burned in Tennessee.

Wilson said Martin was taken into custody late Wednesday on charges of driving under the influence. He was later charged with arson. He said Martin is only charged with two counts of arson, but is facing more charges in Alabama.

In Tennessee, the arson charge is a Class D felony punishable by two to 12 years in prison if convicted.

Authorities said it appeared that gasoline was used to start all four fires.

“We got a description of a truck that was seen near the houses that burned, and in fact, (Martin) was stopped by deputy Tim Harris near one of the houses,” Wilson said.

According to witnesses, Martin was seen leaving the scene but also talking with people who were watching the house fires.

Wilson said Harris reported smelling the odor of gas on Martin and found an empty gas can in the back of his truck.

“We had three deputies there in the area working on the fires, and with the help of the public giving us a description, we were able to catch him pretty quick,” the sheriff said.

Wilson said it appears narcotics may have played a role in events leading to the house fires.

“He said he didn’t really have a reason (for starting the fires),” Wilson said. “I’m just glad no one got hurt.”

Lauderdale County officials said they will seek second-degree arson charges against Martin.

From the Times Daily