Division of Fire Safety News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 19, 2010
Missouri State Fire Marshal Randy Cole is urging the public’s assistance in solving two 2009 Fulton arson cases. Both fires occurred early on the morning of December 14, 2009. The first fire caused about $1,000 damage to Fulton High School. The loss in the second fire, at Sutherland’s Lumber Center, was estimated at $5.1 million.
“Arson is a serious crime that endangers the public and the firefighters who must respond and fight these fires,” said Fire Marshal Cole. “I urge anyone with information to come forward and help make a difference in these cases.”
The U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) has announced a reward of up to $10,000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of individuals responsible for the two fires.
At 5:14 a.m. on Dec.14, the Fulton Fire Department responded to a fire reported at Fulton High School, located at 1 Hornet Drive. The fire was quickly extinguished and an examination of the scene resulted in the fire being ruled as arson.
While firefighters were still at the high school, another fire alarm was received at 5:51 a.m. at Sutherland’s Lumber Center, located at 1220 South Business 54. Investigators determined this fire was also intentionally set.
The fires are being investigated in a cooperative effort between ATF, the Missouri Division of Fire Safety- Investigations Unit, and the Fulton Police and Fire departments.
The public is asked to call ATF’s toll free hotline, 1-888-ATF-FIRE (888-283-3437); the Missouri Division of Fire Safety Arson Hotline, 1-800-39-ARSON; or the Jefferson City ATF office, (573) 893-7788; with any information that may help identify those responsible for the fires. The hotline numbers are answered 24 hours a day and all calls remain confidential.
For more information, call 573-751-5432 or e-mail mike.oconnell@dps.mo.gov