JASPER, Ala. — A fire that tore through the Walker County Public Defender’s Office early Saturday morning has left the building a total loss, authorities said. The blaze, which broke out at the office on 19th Street West, took firefighters nearly 12 hours to extinguish. No injuries were reported.
The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office announced the arrest of a mother and son in connection with the fire. Both have been charged with arson. Their names have not been released as of Thursday. Officials have not disclosed a possible motive, and the investigation is ongoing.
The destruction of the office has disrupted legal services for indigent clients in Walker County. Public defenders are working to recover files and relocate operations while the building remains closed.
Authorities are urging anyone with information about the fire to contact the State Fire Marshal’s Office.