Incident Overview

In a startling turn of events, a long-time resident of Wortley Village has been charged with arson following a catastrophic fire that caused an estimated $2 million in damages. The incident unfolded in the early hours of November 28, when Al Stewart, the owner of the Westland Gallery, received an urgent call from a neighbor notifying him that the building next door was engulfed in flames.

Firefighting Efforts and Casualties

Stewart quickly rushed to his gallery, located at 156 Wortley Road, only to find firefighters bravely battling the inferno at 158 Wortley Road. Witnessing the chaos, Stewart noted that while he saw two tenants from the upper-level apartments, the third tenant, Douglas Henderson, was nowhere to be found at first.

As firefighters searched the burning building for Henderson, who is 75 years old, he eventually appeared, claiming he was simply out for a walk. “He stood and watched the fire with us, watched it burn,” said Stewart, adding that the local Red Cross had provided Henderson with temporary shelter afterward.

Charges and Community Reaction

However, authorities quickly deemed the fire suspicious. The following day, police arrested Henderson, charging him with arson causing damage to property and arson with disregard for human life. He has been remanded in custody pending a court appearance.

Henderson had been a familiar figure in the Old South community for nearly a decade, often seen with a wagon collecting recyclables. Some residents even saved their liquor containers specifically for him, praising his quiet, friendly demeanor. However, the recent events have disturbed the community, raising questions about trust and safety in their close-knit neighborhood.

Impact on Local Businesses

The fire severely impacted not only the buildings but also local businesses housed within. The property contained two commercial establishments on the ground floor and three apartments above, which are now uninhabitable. Notably, the women’s boutique Sha Choix and the pet supply store A Village Tail have both closed indefinitely as they assess the damage.

Expressing their gratitude to the community, A Village Tail took to social media to thank supporters and commend the firefighters for their swift action in preventing further destruction. “It seems it is mostly water damage to the food room as it is directly under the apartment that caught fire. We are extremely grateful to all the firefighters who worked quickly,” they stated.

Historical Context

Interestingly, this devastating fire is reminiscent of another arson incident from just 19 months prior, when the popular Black Walnut café was destroyed. That fire resulted in a significant 2.7 million dollars in damages, and the perpetrator has since been sentenced to prison.

Reactions and Future Outlook

Amid the chaos, Al Stewart expressed his relief that his gallery sustained minimal damage, thankful for the heroic efforts of the firefighters. “Thank God, we dodged a bullet,” he said. His long-standing acquaintance with Henderson complicates matters, as he recalls having hired him in the past for various chores, highlighting the contradiction between Henderson's friendly reputation and the shocking allegations now brought against him.

As investigations continue, the community is left grappling with the aftermath of this tragic incident, hoping for a swift resolution and a return to normalcy in their beloved Wortley Village.