SPRINGTOWN -- The cause of a fire in Springtown which burned a shop building, tools and building supplies belonging to Paul Lemke remains undetermined, according to the Benton County Fire Marshal's Office.
Eric Smith, assistant director of the county office, was assigned to the case and said on Friday the cause is being listed as undetermined. As such, the case remains open unless further evidence comes in to determine the cause of the fire.
Smith explained that the undetermined status happens often when a fire consumes any evidence of the exact cause or source of the fire.
Highfill Fire Department responded to find a fully-engulfed structure fire at 11771 Bredehoeft Rd., in Springtown, at 1:17 a.m. on Oct. 6, according to Gene Holland, Highfill's fire chief.
The fire was located in the shop building, located behind the house where Lemke's daughter lives. She was out of town at the time of the fire and no injuries were reported in the blaze which completely destroyed the shop building and its contents.
Lemke said he lost thousands of dollars worth of carpentry tools and building supplies stored in the shop building. He said he had planned to move them to a new home he is finishing on the south side of Springtown. Lemke estimated his losses at close to $20,000 and said the building and its contents were not insured.
Lemke said he suspected arson, citing recent disputes in which he's been involved over Springtown's city government. He was offering a $1,000 reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction in regard to the fire. He said anyone with information may call the Benton Country dispatch number for the area at 479-273-5532. He also said those with information may do so anonymously and still be eligible for the reward.
General News on 10/19/2016