Darek McMahon, 34, of Warrenton, was charged with two counts of second-degree arson and six counts of burning following the fire at the Abundant Life Church property that started during the late morning of March 18.
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Darek McMahon, 34, of Warrenton, was charged with two counts of second-degree arson and six counts of burning following the fire at the Abundant Life Church property that started during the late morning of March 18.
A warrant was issued for his arrest and he is being held without bond, according to Sheriff Kevin Harrison.
Firefighters from the Warrenton Fire Protection District responded to the fire around 11:21 on the morning of March 18.
WFPD Fire Marshall Scott Determan said when they arrived on scene there were three distinct fires burning vehicles and a shipping container on the property. The fires burned two RVs, two semis, a service van and tires stored in a Conex box, according to Determan.
Fire and burning tires produced plumes of black smoke that could be seen well into the distance. As a precaution, businesses and residences northeast of the fire were evacuated due to dangers from heavy smoke.
Josh Riebe, the assistant fire chief at the Wright City Fire Protection District said he saw the smoke from Wright City before responding to the fire.
Firefighters on scene also reported multiple explosions from tires in the fire while they combatted the blaze.
A worker from Ameren was also on scene to shut off a nearby transformer that was damaged by the flames.
Thankfully the fire was contained roughly an hour later and no injuries were reported, according to Determan.
Sheriff’s deputies found McMahon after his vehicle was caught leaving the property on a trail camera shortly before 911 was called for the fire. They found his vehicle, and according to Harrison, McMahon admitted he had started the fire with matches.
He also said he gets an “adrenaline rush” from starting fires, according to Harrison. He also has a prior conviction for second-degree arson and knowingly burning or exploding in Franklin County from 2021.
The WFPD was assisted by the Wright City Fire Protection District, the Jonesburg-High Hill Fire Protection District, the Lincoln County Fire Protection District, the Wentzville Fire Protection District, the Warrenton Police Department, Warren County Sheriff’s Department and the Warren County Ambulance District.
The Washington Volunteer Fire Company, Union Fire Protection District and the Marthasville Fire Protection District covered the area during the event.
This is the second time a fire at this property has been investigated as arson, as a fire in June 2023 that destroyed the church was also investigated for the crime.
