2/28/2008

By the Salina Journal

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered for information leading to the conviction of the person or persons responsible for the Sunday afternoon fire that damaged a vacant house and outbuildings at the Peony Patch, 1740 Beverly.

Salina Fire Department Investigator Troy Long said Tuesday that he and investigators with the Salina Police Department and Kansas Fire Marshal's Office continue to follow leads, but they're hoping for information from the public.

The fire caused damage worth about $30,000 to a shed and two refrigerated trailers and about $45,000 to the house.

Authorities said the fire started about the same time in the house and in a shed about 150 feet away, making them think the fires might have been set deliberately.

Long said a specially trained dog from the Topeka Fire Department didn't find the presence of an accelerant in the house. The dog did indicate an accelerant might be present in a shed, Long said, but it wasn't a "credible hit" because of gardening chemicals stored in the shed.

Anyone with information about the fire may call the Salina Fire Department, 826-7340; the Salina Police Department, 826-7210; or 1-800-KS-CRIME. Tipsters don't have to give their names to be eligible for the reward.

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