News

Wessel offers tips on how to avoid arson fires

By Cindy Iutzi/Gate City Staff Writer

Published: Monday, December 1, 2008 2:18 PM CST

The Keokuk fire and police departments are looking for the person or people who have set multiple fires in Keokuk since May.

Arson has been determined as the cause of fires at two churches, an empty building, a storage building, behind a retail property and at a home during that time span.

The fires include: May 18, First Baptist Church Educational Building, 701 Blondeau; Sept. 18, Bethany Baptist Church, 227 N. Sixth St.; Oct. 16, the YWCA in the 400 block of Blondeau; nearly simultaneous fires on Nov. 9 at a storage shed behind Meyers' Courtyard (the former Masonic Building) on Blondeau and an alley fire behind Gate City Seed, Main Street; and Nov. 22, a home at 1124 Franklin St.

“I don't think it's any big surprise that we've been experiencing some arson fires,” said Keokuk Fire Chief Mark Wessel. “We haven't put out some information because it is not for public release and we are not putting out some information because we don't have it.

“From the outside looking in, it could appear we are not being as aggressive as we should be, but without a doubt, the two departments are being very aggressive. We have one of the most aggressive investigations I've ever been a part of. Sometimes it just takes time to find the right piece for the puzzle.”

In the mean time, Wessel recommends that property owners light up their dark areas and clean up combustible materials, including trash and stored items that make attractive targets for arsonists guided by impulse.

“Criminals don't like lighted areas and open spaces,” he said. “Secure your building better.”

Burglar alarms and cameras also could help dissuade would-be burglars and arsonists or assist with identification.

People who have security cameras installed in the vicinity of a fire should call the fire or police department so investigators can view the video.

Another way the public can help is to “come forward when you see things,” Wessel said. “Watch what's going on and report it. There are rewards out there for information that leads to arrest and conviction. Your name can be withheld by the authorities.”

Crew said the investigation is ongoing and asked the public to call with information.

Call Wessel at 534-5225, the police department at 524-2741 or the state fire marshal's arson hotline at 800-532-1459 with information about any of the arsons.