Volusia deputies: Serial arsonist back in jail

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Volusia County deputies said a serial arsonist is back in jail after he admitted to starting a fire at a vacant house next to his own home.

Investigators said James Bates broke into a house on Saxon Drive, just south of New Smyrna Beach on Wednesday morning and set the fire. They said he then reported it to authorities.

Bates was also arrested this time last year, accused of setting five fires in the New Smyrna Beach area.

WFTV