Fresno Fire Department Searching for Suspect(s) in Recent Rash of Arsons
04/26/2007
Fresno, CA (April 26, 2007) – The Fresno Fire Department is asking for the public’s help in identifying the person(s) responsible for a recent rash of arsons. Two arson fires sparked early Tuesday morning. The first incident occurred at 12:49 a.m. at Eaton Elementary School (1451 E Sierra Ave). The fire appeared to have started in a trashcan next to a nearby shed, and physical evidence collected at the scene indicates the fire was intentionally set. A short time later a second fire ignited at 1284 E. Bullard. Later investigators learned the fire started in a trash can, and quickly spread to the interior of the College of the Church of Christ campus. The trash fire was intentionally set by an unknown suspect(s), and is responsible for causing major fire damage to the exterior wall of the main building. Later in the day a third blaze broke out at 7886 N. Millbrook (Woodward Park Church of Christ), at 11:44 a.m. A small fire in a bathroom stall of the church, Fresno Fire crews quickly extinguished the fire and determined that the fire was suspicious. Fresno Fire Department Fire Investigator later determined the fire was intentionally set.
The Fresno Fire Department’s Arson Investigation unit believes all three of these fires are related, and is asking for the public’s help identifying the person(s) responsible for these arsons. Anyone with information can call the Deputy Fire Marshal at 621-4446 or
Crime Stoppers 498-STOP (7867).
Contact: Deputy Fire Marshal Don MacAlpine (559) 593-2528
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