In the rural beach community of Accomack County on the Eastern Shore, state and federal investigators are searching for clues in the ashes of what is now the 73rd arson since last November.
Many of the old farmhouses being targeted are used only during the summer by visitors or migrant workers who harvest and pack produce.
State Police spokeswoman Sgt. Michelle Anaya said the arsons happen at night and neighbors live a mile or more away from each other making it difficult to see anyone suspicious.
Much of the evidence is either burned or washed away by fire hoses. But investigators do have the beginnings of a profile.
Sgt. Anaya says this person or persons are very familiar with the territory; they are very familiar with the abandoned buildings.
Virginia Public Radio 