Tuesday, July 10, 2007

Authorities Seek Information On Arson Fires

   Local fire authorities are seeking assistance from the public in the hopes of  putting an arsonist out of business.

   Fire Investigator Shayne Adams with the Lawrenceburg Fire Department issued the plea for information on Tuesday, saying, “We need people to come forward with information on two fires that have been deemed arson.”

   The fires in question occurred just twenty-two hours apart at two empty homes that were undergoing renovation.

   A fire at 117 West Taylor Street was discovered around 1:30 a.m. on Sunday, July 1. Firefighters arrived on the scene quickly, allowing them to extinguish the flames and confine damages to a single room.

   Around 3:30 Monday morning, July 2, fire units were dispatched to a similar fire at 514 First Street. There, Adams reported, damages were much more extensive. Adams indicated that due to the intensity of the heat, they were only able to keep fire crews inside a short period of time before they had to pull out. The roof then collapsed.

   Investigation of the fires revealed that each had been intentionally set.

   At this point, Adams says he is hopeful that anyone who might have heard anything about these fires will come forward. “And keep in mind, you may remain anonymous,” he pointed out.

   To report information about the fires, remain anonymous, and become eligible for a $1,500 reward, you may place a call to the Tennessee Arson Hotline at 1-800-762-3017.

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