Union County man charged after intentional cabin fire, volunteer crews respond for hours

State police charged Benjamin Allen Houdeshell Sr., 65, of Walbash Road in Mifflinburg, after investigators say he intentionally set fire to a cabin at 980 Walbash Road in West Buffalo Township on December 3. Authorities filed four felony counts, including arson, reckless burning, criminal mischief and causing catastrophe, two misdemeanor counts for failure to control a fire and disorderly conduct, and a summary count for dangerous burning. Houdeshell was detained at the scene, arraigned and held on cash bail with a preliminary hearing scheduled in the county court.

According to the affidavit and police statements, Houdeshell told troopers he was having domestic and family problems and said "I don't care anymore." Investigators say he admitted pouring gasoline on the cabin floor and throwing a propane torch that ignites itself onto the gasoline. He also informed dispatchers that there was gunpowder inside the structure and propane tanks positioned outside, factors that increase the danger to firefighters and neighbors.

Local volunteer departments, led by the Mifflinburg Hose Company and assisted by neighboring volunteer units, battled the blaze for roughly three hours before extinguishing it. The cabin was destroyed. Volunteer leaders reported a complex and risky scene that required careful overhaul because of the alleged explosive materials and pressurized tanks. No information on civilian injuries was released in charging documents.

The incident has immediate community implications. Prolonged volunteer firefighting operations divert limited personnel and equipment from other possible emergencies and increase department operating costs at a time when many rural and small town departments face recruitment and budget pressures. A single structure fire can produce significant cleanup and insurance claims and can strain municipal emergency funds when mutual aid is required.

From a legal and policy standpoint the charges filed reflect the seriousness of alleged intentional fires that endanger people and property. Arson and causing a catastrophe are felony offenses that move through an extended court process and can carry substantial penalties under state law. For residents, the case underscores risks posed by combustible materials stored near structures and the reliance on volunteer responders to manage such hazards. Union County officials and fire chiefs say they will review the incident for lessons on prevention, storage safety and support needs for volunteer emergency services.