Oskaloosa Fire Department Looking For Possible Arsonist
Damag to the Oskaloosa Antique and Arts Mall building, formerly known as Wilcox-Garland Furniture, from an apparent dumpster fire.
Oskaloosa, Iowa – The Oskaloosa Fire Department is asking the public for any information that may help identify any individual or individuals who may be responsible for setting fire to a dumpster behind the former Wilcox-Garland building and that currently houses Oskaloosa Antiques (203 High Ave East).
Oskaloosa Fire Chief Mark Neff said that the October 11th fire burned its way out of the dumpster and broke its way into the back area of the building through an old exterior window that had been covered with plywood.
The fire department also received a call about a 55-gallon trash can on fire in the alley behind Hammer Medical Supply. Both calls came in before 6 a.m. “These two fires were approximately a block away,” says Neff.
At approximately 8 pm on the same day, the fire department responded to yet another dumpster fire at the intersection of J Avenue and Santa Clara.
“We are actively investigating these fires as arson, in conjunction with the Oskaloosa Police Department,” Neff explained in a press conference with local media on Tuesday afternoon.
“At this time, we’re asking anybody in the general public that might have been up around the square between 5 am and 5:30 am and then also around the J Avenue, Santa Clara intersections at around 7:45 to 8:00 pm.” Neff said, as he requested that any individuals that may have witnessed something to please come forward with their information.
Neff hasn’t concluded that the fires located in the downtown area and, the one later in the evening, at the intersection of J Ave and Santa Clara are connected.
When asked if the fire had been caused by an accident, Neff responded by saying. “If it was an accident, I would ask that that person come up and say… hey, I walked by there and I accidentally threw a cigarette butt in that dumpster.” He went on to say that, “At this point, I’m still leaning towards the arson.”
“There is some camera footage we’ve been looking at,” Neff reported about some of the steps they are currently taking in the investigation.
If you have any information, Neff asks that you call the Oskaloosa Fire Department at 641.673.3541 or the Oskaloosa Police Department at 641.672.2557.
You can follow this link for more information about the fire.
