NEWS: Washington Wildfires Caused by Arsonist., page 1

As the latest wildfire in Thorp, Washington destroyed two homes, a shop and threatened dozens of others, undersheriff Clayton Myers stated that this fire, together with 10 more fires in the past two months, seem to have been caused by an arsenist. The other 10 fires luckily caused no building damage.

Arson Suspected in Washington Wildfire
"We are investigating this fire as arson," Undersheriff Clayton Myers said Saturday. "We believe they are all linked."

Winds up to 25 mph fanned the flames, forcing the evacuation of about 200 mainly seasonal homes in the eastern Cascade foothills Saturday. Myers said the blaze destroyed two homes and a shop as it raced across 300 acres.

The fire began Friday near Interstate 90 between Cle Elum and Ellensburg. Some of the homes firefighters were able to save had flames lapping at the front door, Myers said.

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There are still trees on fire, and the winds could carry the fire anywhere. Most of the fires have been set close to homes and with highway access. The sheriff department is offering a $10,000 reward for any information concerning this case.

Related Links

Arson and Investigation Archives

Wildfire News: WASHINGTON FIRE EVACUATES 200 HOMES

[edit on 1-8-2004 by Muaddib]