Recent arson fires may be most destructive ever

Tuesday, May 30, 2000 | 10:28 a.m.

Farr estimates the damage from 12 fires to be more $2 million. While one person may not be responsible for each of the arsons, the five most destructive blazes are similar enough to indicate a repeat fire-setter is at work.

"In my experience here, we've had repeat fire setters that have been difficult to apprehend but none to the magnitude of this one," Farr said.

"Generally fire setters start small fires in a Dumpster or in a pile of garbage outside a building. But these are big fires almost outside the realm of a thrill-seeker pyromaniac."

Fires have destroyed two homes under construction in northwest Reno, an office complex in southwest Reno, an apartment building near downtown and part of a pallet yard east of downtown.

Smaller fires have damaged the Reno police Internal Affairs building at Idlewild Park, and the Kids Kottage Emergency Child Protection Center and Saint Mary's HealthFirst medical building, both in south Reno.

Two fires set Friday at construction sites south of Reno were extinguished before they could do much damage.

Fire officials have posted reward fliers at each of the burn sites. Secret Witness is offering a $1,500 reward for information leading to the arsonist's arrest and the Northern Nevada Builders Association is offering another $5,000.

Building inspectors also are passing out information fliers to developers, warning them of the activity and asking workers to report suspicious activity.

Three fire investigators are tracking down tips and leads from the community and trying to generate their own, Farr said.

Investigators are checking the city's felon registrations for convicted arsonists living in the area, looking to see if any fire setters have been released from prison recently and studying each blaze for hidden connections.

"One of the things we are looking at is whether there is a common thread," Farr said. "We are looking at every development, every contractor, subcontractor, supplier, financier.

"We're busy trying to find a list of common denominators and of leads of people and vehicles. It will take some time."