Police: Arsonist Set 11 Fires In South St. Paul
SOUTH ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) – Authorities are investigating what appears to be a series of fires that were intentionally set early Tuesday morning in South St. Paul and they're looking for a suspect.
South St. Paul fire officials responded to the fires between 1 a.m. and 3:30 a.m. near the area of Marie and 4th Avenues. Fire officials said as many as 11 small fires were set in a four block by five block area, causing minor damage. The first fire reported was a garage fire on the 300 block of 8th Avenue South. When crews arrived, two detached garages at the location were on fire. A witness there told fire officials a car was on fire a few blocks away. When crews arrived to that fire, they spotted several other fires in the area.
They included a boat and several garbage cans, authorities said. Fire officials said the fires were intentionally set and may be related to similar incidents that have happened in the area over the last two years.
South St. Paul Police said no suspects are in custody. Anyone with information about the incidents is asked to call South St. Paul Police at (651) 554-3300. A reward of up to $2,500 is available for information leading to the identity of the person or people responsible for these incidents. Tips can also be called into the Arson Hotline at 1-800-723-2020.
