WASHINGTON CO. VOLUNTEER FIREFIGHTER ARRESTED FOR ARSON

  

A Washington County volunteer firefighter is charged with arson following a lengthy, multi-agency investigation into grass fires in rural areas of the county.

According to the Washington County Sheriff’s Office, a search warrant was executed at 2:45 p.m. Wednesday in the 600 block of Quarry Road.  Law enforcement obtained an arrest warrant for 49-year-old Ronald Lee Perry of Brenham, charging him with second-degree felony Arson.

Perry was later apprehended in Brazos County on the authority of the arrest warrant and transported to the Washington County Jail, where he is being held on $100,000 bond.

Perry’s arrest is in conjunction with an investigation of fires in Washington County from 2020 to 2025 where, according to the sheriff’s office, “an unusual amount of grass fires occurred that were of unknown, suspicious, or intentional origin.”

Assisting agencies in the investigation included the Texas A&M Forest Service State Law Enforcement Investigators, Texas Department of Public Safety Ranger Division, Federal Bureau of Investigation Central Texas Joint Terrorism Task Force, and local volunteer fire departments. 

The sheriff’s office says investigation remains ongoing. 

Rocky Creek Volunteer Fire Department Assistant Chief Tim Hamff issued a statement on behalf of the fire department and the Washington County Firefighters Association, saying:

"The Rocky Creek Volunteer Fire Department and the Washington County Firefighters Association are deeply troubled to learn of allegations involving one of our members that, if proven, represent a serious violation of the public’s trust and are contrary to the values and standards of the fire service.

The actions of any individual should not diminish the dedication, integrity, and hard work of the firefighters who serve our communities every day.

Rocky Creek Volunteer Fire Department remains committed to transparency and accountability and will continue to fully cooperate with local law enforcement and appropriate state and federal agencies.

We remain committed to serving our community with integrity, professionalism, and respect for the public trust placed in us."