Fire Officials Investigating Arson In St. Louis Park
ST. LOUIS PARK, Minn. (WCCO) – Authorities in St. Louis Park are trying to find the person or people responsible for setting two separate fires at the same business in the last few weeks.
The latest fire happened last Friday at the Maaco auto painting and body shop on Oxford Street.
Fire Chief Steve Koering said the suspected arsonist went inside, setting more than a half-dozen fires.
"Significant smoke and water damage because the sprinkler system activated and put fire out, but then the sprinklers ran unattended because the monitors didn't work to notify the fire department," Koering said.
The fire damaged the shop, some offices and a car.
"It's very troubling, and if you think of the impact it has just on the local economy and those businesses and you know it's really unacceptable and we have to get to the bottom of this and put a stop to it," he said.
Investigators and the owner have a suspect in mind, but they can't release any information publicly.
Anyone with information is encouraged to the St. Louis Park Fire Department.