Suspected Firebug Faces First-Degree Arson Charge In South Murphrey Road Blaze

ARCHER LODGE — A Johnston County man arrested Feb. 16 in connection with a fire behind an Archer Lodge business is now facing additional felony charges stemming from a separate residential blaze reported earlier the same evening.

Daniel John Nolan, 49, of Clayton, has been charged with first-degree arson and felony burning personal property in connection with a Feb. 16 fire on South Murphrey Road, where a home and a vehicle parked in the driveway were set ablaze.

The new charges were filed by the Johnston County Sheriff’s Office on Feb. 20.

Authorities allege Nolan set fire to the side of a 62-year-old homeowner’s residence and a vehicle parked outside, causing an estimated $6,000 in damage before the flames were extinguished. No injuries were reported.

Nolan had previously been arrested around 9:00 p.m. Feb. 16, just minutes after authorities say he started a fire underneath a commercial propane tank behind Archer Lodge Express, formerly C.E. Barnes Store, at 13785 Buffalo Road. The business owner spotted the flames and extinguished the fire with a water hose, preventing what officials described as a potentially dangerous situation.

Following his initial arrest, Nolan was charged with burning a commercial structure, driving while impaired, driving while license revoked, and possession of an open container of alcohol. His bond at that time was set at $52,000 secured.

With the newly filed arson-related charges, Nolan’s secured bond has been increased by an additional $75,000, bringing his total bond to $127,000.

At last report, Nolan remained in custody at the Johnston County Detention Center in Smithfield.

Court records show Nolan has a history of fire-related convictions in Johnston County, including a July 2025 burning personal property case that resulted in a suspended prison sentence and probation.