ST. MARYS — The West Virginia State Police are investigating the death of a Pleasants County man who reportedly shot at emergency personnel responding to a fire on his property Sunday.

Officers returned fire but an autopsy is planned “to determine the exact cause of death,” said 1st Sgt. Okey Starsick, with the Parkersburg detachment.

Kenneth W. Brewer, 74, was found dead after a fire was extinguished in the structure from which he shot at first responders as they were putting out another fire at a nearby trailer, Starsick said.

“Responders at the scene indicated he had set both fires, but it’s still under investigation,” he said.

Pleasants County Sheriff Chuck Mankins said two deputies from his office and a St. Marys Police officer were at the scene on Federal Ridge Road a few miles outside St. Marys. Because officers were involved in the incident, the State Police are investigating and Mankins declined further comment.