Arson Suspected In Fire At Renville County Food Shelf

MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) – A food shelf west of the Twin Cities is temporarily closed after a suspected arson Sunday night left the building significantly damaged, authorities say.

The Olivia Fire Department responded to a report of structural fire at about 9:35 p.m. Sunday at a building that houses the Renville County Food Shelf, the Redwood/Renville Red Cross and Hair Connection. Authorities said there is also a second story apartment in the building.

Authorities say the resident of the apartment go out of the building safely. Authorities are investigating the blaze as arson, and anyone with information about the incident is asked to call Olivia Police, the Renville County Sheriff's Office or the State Arson Hotline at 1-800-723-2020.

Authorities are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the person or people responsible for the fire. The Renville County Food Shelf is closed until further notice.

The Olivia Fire Department was assisted at the scene by Olivia Police, Danube Fire Department, Bird Island Fire Department and the Renville County Sheriff's Office.