Arsonist Arrested in Major Birmingham Fire

By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. One of the largest fires in Birmingham’s history destroyed multiple businesses and took dozens of firefighters from multiple fire departments to put it out.

The fire was reported to 911 on Friday at around 5:30 a.m., bringing a large response from the Birmingham Fire Department. Heavy black smoke could be seen as soon as firefighters pulled away from the firehouse.

Now, an arsonist is in police custody.

Joshua Jay Mitchell, 42, from Randolf County, has been arrested and charged with second-degree arson.
Additionally, Mitchell has been charged with criminal trespass, possession of a controlled substance, and unlawful breaking and entering into a vehicle.

According to law enforcement and court records, Mitchell started a fire at 5:33 a.m. Friday at 1210 20th Street South, which is the location of Big Escape Room, and about a block away from the blaze that destroyed multiple buildings.

Authorities say that he also then set other fires that morning which sparked the massive blaze on Cobb Lane and 20th Street South. The fires were not fully extinguished until Saturday night.

Mitchell, the warrant states, did intentionally damage a building by starting or maintaining a fire or causing an explosion.

A motive has not been disclosed.

He was booked into the Jefferson County Jail and has been given a bond.

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