Authorities Investigate Arsons During Arson Awareness Week

ST. CLOUD -- It's been a busy couple of weeks for fire investigators in St. Cloud as arson fires have broken out in dumpsters, in a yard, at a home and in a swampy area.

It's Arson Awareness Week and the St. Cloud Fire Marshall says they've been busy trying to catch fire bugs in the area. There have been seven dumpster fires reported in the St. Cloud State neighborhood area between 6th Ave South and 9th Avenue South. A fence and shed caught fire after a grass fire broke out under suspicious circumstances in the 2000 block of Northway Circle. And, authorities continue to investigate a garage fire that destroyed a car at 1027 6th Avenue South.

Fire Marshall Mike Post says you can help protect yourself from arson by locking up garages, ensure your property is well lit, keep your yards clean of debris and combustibles, keep shrubs and trees trimmed back and report any suspicious activity.

The Arson Reward Project provides for a reward of up to $2,500 for help in solving arson fires in the St. Cloud area. To report an arson fire, call the Arson hotline at 1-800-722-2020.