Peacock Architects North Carolina Office Fire Under Arson Investigation

The Hendersonville Police Department is investigating an overnight arson after a structure fire in our downtown Hendersonville office and apartment building. Tamara Peacock’s son, Charlie and dog Rocky made it safely out of the building.

 We are moving forward and will continue working on ongoing projects. Project Manager, Joey Burnett is currently working remotely to fulfill job requirements. Any information regarding this case is greatly appreciated.

Authorities say at approximately 3:15 a.m. on Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022, Hendersonville Police received a call to assist the Hendersonville Fire Department with a structure fire at 104 1st Avenue E.

The building contains several offices and an apartment. Authorities say the tenant of the apartment was home at the time of the fire and called 911 after hearing the fire alarm and seeing smoke. The tenant escaped through an upper window and fortunately is OK.

Authorities say The Pearson Law Firm was the target of the fire and multiple agencies are working together to determine why. The SBI’s arson investigation unit is one of the agencies involved.

“It’s clearly an arson investigation. We believe this fire was intentionally set. We don’t know the reasons of why this office was picked over any other place in town, we don’t know that yet,” said Hendersonville Police Chief Blair Myhand.

Chief Myhand says clues point to arson as it appears a suspect threw something through the window to start the fire.

“We know that the screen was pulled away from the window. I don’t know if it was a rock or a bottle or what it was - that was thrown through the window,” said Chief Myhand. Adding, “we know that the person didn’t enter in and start a fire and then exit.”

Right now, police say it is an isolated incident.

Two suspects wearing dark clothing were captured on video in the area at the time of the fire. The incident is being investigated as arson and detectives are requesting residents and merchants in the downtown area to submit camera footage to Detective Zeff Childress to assist in the investigation. Footage showing overnight activity in the downtown vicinity can be provided to Detective Childress at zchildress@hvlnc.gov.

Hendersonville Police Department is asking downtown residents and businesses to submit any overnight surveillance video that could help in the investigation.

Any information on the incident may be provided to Detective Zeff Childress by calling (828) 697-3071. Tips may also be submitted through the Hendersonville Police Department App which can be downloaded in the iOS App Store or Google Play Store by searching “Hendersonville PD.”