HILLSBOROUGH, N.C. — A former part-time firefighter for the City of Mebane faces multiple felony and misdemeanor charges after allegedly setting fire to a home with his wife, child, and mother-in-law inside and assaulting his spouse while the child was present, court documents show.

Billy Wayne Smith, 40, is accused of first-degree arson for allegedly burning the home at 5731 Walker Farm Road. According to court documents, Smith attempted to set the fire by placing plastic items on the stove, igniting the burners and flammable materials, and then fleeing the residence while his family was inside.

He also faces attempted first-degree arson, assault causing serious injury to a minor present, simple assault on a female, and a misdemeanor domestic violence charge. Authorities said the allege

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