Fires At Empty Homes Raise Arson Suspicions

WESTSIDE - Fires that destroyed three vacant houses in the Highfill area recently have been termed “suspicious,” according to Marc Trollinger, Benton County Fire Marshal.

Two of the fires were reported last Wednesday morning; a third was called in on July 23. An investigation is being conducted, according to Keisha Guyll, spokesperson for the County Sheriff’s Office, who said the three fires are suspected to have been started by arsonists.

Gravette Fire Chief David Smith said there is also suspicion in the cause of at least two recent structure fi res in the Gravette area: one at an abandoned house just off Highway 72 and east on Stagecoach Road two weeks ago, the other at a vacant trailer northeast of the city which occurred several weeks ago.

A third fire, June 27, destroyed a large frame home which was being remodeled on Mt. Olive Road, southwest of Gravette. At fi rst thought to be caused by an electrical problem, that blaze also is raising some questions, according to Smith. No one was at home at any of the three blazes.

Anyone who has seen any suspicious activity, persons or vehicles near the above locations is asked to contact Smith at the non-emergency fi re department number, 787-6600, or call local police.

News, Pages 1 on 07/31/2013