The Louisiana State Fire Marshal’s Office (SFM) has arrested a Tallulah man for several vacant house fires dating back to April 2023.

Tory’shawn Banks, 21, was booked into the Madison Parish Jail Nov. 27 on four counts of simple arson; one count of aggravated arson; five counts of criminal trespass; and five counts of criminal damage to property.

SFM said, on Nov. 12, the Tallulah Fire Department responded to an abandoned house fire located in the 500 block of W. Scott Street in Tallulah. SFM investigators, who had been requested to look into the cause of the fire, determined it was intentionally set.

During the investigation, Banks became a suspect in this case. In addition, deputies confirmed there had been four other fires at vacant homes investigated in neighborhoods where Banks lived with family since spring of 2023, including: April 6, 2023 in the 500 block of Harding Street; Aug. 6, 2023 in the 600 block of Adams Street; Sept. 5, 2023 in the 300 block of Morgan Street; and Oct. 23, 2024 in the 300 block of Morgan Street.

In one of these cases, smoke from the fire filled the neighboring home so much that smoke alarms sounded and affected an elderly resident inside, SFM said.

After reviewing all of the case details, deputies said they believed they were all connected and that Banks was the suspect in all incidents. An arrest warrant was obtained and he was taken into custody on Nov. 27. In an interview with investigators, Banks admitted his role in all of the fires, SFM said.

State Fire Marshal Chief Bryan J. Adams said wants to commend the agency’s Fire Investigations Unit for its work on the case and thank the Madison Parish Sheriff’s Office and the Tallulah Fire Department for their partnership in getting answers and an arrest. Adams also thanked the community members who offered helpful information and direction throughout the investigation.

SFM said, as a reminder, if anyone has information about any fire-related crime, he or she can share that information with the SFM by calling the Arson Hotline at 1-844-954-1221 or by submitting an online tip form. All information can be shared anonymously.