Arson in Pettis County Leads
Fire Marshal to Ask for Public’s Help
PETTIS COUNTY, Jan. 31, 2006—The Missouri Division
of Fire Safety is assisting the Sedalia Police and Fire Departments
along with the Pettis County Sheriff’s Department with the investigation
of several fires in Sedalia.
State Fire Marshal Randy Cole said the Sedalia Fire
Department has responded to at least nine separate fires in west side
Sedalia neighborhoods since late December of last year.
“These fires are more than a mere nuisance, they
are serious incidents resulting in significant property damage and
not only endanger the public but responding emergency personnel as
well,” Cole said.
The fires have involved vacant houses, parked vehicles
and at least one dumpster. All of the fires have been deliberately
set causing property damage in excess of $200,000.
Anyone having information concerning any of these fires
should contact the Sedalia TIPS Hotline at 660-827-TIPS (660-827-8477)
or the Missouri Arson Hotline at 1-800-39ARSON (1-800-392-7766).
The Sedalia TIPS Hotline offers a reward of up to $1000
for information leading to an arrest and conviction in this matter.
Through the Arson Hotline, the Missouri Advisory Committee on Arson
Prevention (MACAP) offers a reward of up to $5,000 for information
leading to the arrest of any person(s) responsible for these fires.