A Weare resident and former Bradford firefighter has been convicted of arson following two fires found set in unoccupied Bradford towns in 2022 and 2023.

Nathan G. Nicols, 19, was found guilty of felony criminal mischief, and arson, a misdemeanor, in Merrimack Superior Court on Wednesday, Oct. 23, according to a press release from the Office of the State Fire Marshal.

Nichols must pay restitution to the victims of both incidents.

Nationally, intentionally set structure fires result in over 400 deaths, 950 injuries, and $815 million in direct property damage each year, according to the National Fire Protection Association.