Garage, mobile home fire determined to be arson
Local and state authorities are asking residents for assistance in an arson investigation.
Marion Police Department and Kansas State Fire Marshal continue their investigations of an early morning fire that occurred July 26 at 403 S. Coble Street, Marion.
The blaze destroyed a garage and caused major damage to the older mobile home.
According to Marion Fire Chief Mike Regnier, the blaze was reported at 3:38 a.m. When firefighters arrived the garage was fully engulfed.
Some nearby residents were evacuated. Efforts were successful in saving surrounding structures but the mobile home and its contents suffered major fire, smoke, and water damage. All contents were a complete loss.
A van in the garage also was destroyed.
The owners of the property are Alvin and Bernadeen Winter of Marion. Gary Tomlinson was a tenant.
According to Marion Police Detective Dean Keyes, a suspect has been established through the ongoing investigation.
The state fire marshal's office in conjunction with Marion Police Department are offering up to a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest or conviction of the person or people involved in the possible arson.
If residents have any information, even if it seems insignificant, regarding the fire they should contact the Marion Police Department at (620) 382-2651 or the state fire marshal's office at (785) 296-4199.
