Award Offered for Tips Leading
to Arrest in Texas County Fires
SPRINGFIELD, Dec. 22, 2005-The Missouri State Fire
Marshal’s Office along with the Texas County Sheriff’s
Office is conducting an investigation into several fires north of
Cabool, Missouri. These fires have involved structures in the Bado
and Bendavis areas of rural Texas County.
““We take arson very seriously and aggressively
investigate these incidents,” said Randy Cole, State Fire Marshal.
“We are looking to find and punish whoever is responsible for
this destruction. As of now, only vacant structures have been targeted,
but our concern is the potential loss of life to either a firefighter
or an innocent citizen.”
Division of Fire Safety Investigator John Matney said
on the evening of December 17th, a vacant house was intentionally
set on fire and burned to the ground. The following morning, a house
and a barn were also set on fire. Investigators have received reports
indicating that within the last week at least two other structures
in this same area have burned. These fires have caused property losses
in excess of $45,000.
Investigators are asking for anyone with information
concerning these fires to call the Texas County Sheriff’s Office
at 417-967-4165 or the Missouri Arson Hotline at 1-800-392-7766 (1-800-39-ARSON).
A reward of up to $5,000 is offered by the Missouri
Advisory Committee on Arson Prevention (MACAP) for information leading
to an arrest of any person(s) responsible. Callers using the Arson
Hotline may remain anonymous.