UTFFEMT
06-12-2007, 01:23 PM
Unified Fire Authority is seeking information on 4 arson-caused blazes
MAGNA — For the fourth time in two weeks, the Unified Fire Authority has responded to a small arson-caused fire in the area.
Early Monday, a fire was reported in a small field in a vacant lot near 8600 West and 2700 South. The fire was put out quickly and damage was minimal, said UFA Capt. Jay Torgersen.
The incident marked the second fire in that vacant lot in a week and the fourth in the immediate vicinity in two weeks. The most serious fire was one next to the field at the First Congregational Christian Church of Samoa in Utah. A fire started in a pile of trash outside the main doors spread to the inside and caused about $25,000 damage.
"Whether it's the same person or group, we don't know," Torgersen said.
He noted however, that all four fires were determined to be arson, all were in generally the same area and all were between the hours of midnight and 4 a.m. with the majority happening about 2 a.m.
Regardless of how big or small the fires are, or whether or not juveniles lit them, they are all taken seriously, Torgersen said.
"Even if it's kids horsing around having a good time, it's a crime," he said.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office is boosting patrols and a UFA fire station in the area will be keeping a closer watch, Torgersen said.
Anyone with information can call the sheriff's office at 743-7000.
MAGNA — For the fourth time in two weeks, the Unified Fire Authority has responded to a small arson-caused fire in the area.
Early Monday, a fire was reported in a small field in a vacant lot near 8600 West and 2700 South. The fire was put out quickly and damage was minimal, said UFA Capt. Jay Torgersen.
The incident marked the second fire in that vacant lot in a week and the fourth in the immediate vicinity in two weeks. The most serious fire was one next to the field at the First Congregational Christian Church of Samoa in Utah. A fire started in a pile of trash outside the main doors spread to the inside and caused about $25,000 damage.
"Whether it's the same person or group, we don't know," Torgersen said.
He noted however, that all four fires were determined to be arson, all were in generally the same area and all were between the hours of midnight and 4 a.m. with the majority happening about 2 a.m.
Regardless of how big or small the fires are, or whether or not juveniles lit them, they are all taken seriously, Torgersen said.
"Even if it's kids horsing around having a good time, it's a crime," he said.
The Salt Lake County Sheriff's Office is boosting patrols and a UFA fire station in the area will be keeping a closer watch, Torgersen said.
Anyone with information can call the sheriff's office at 743-7000.