New Richmond police investigate possible arson case

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New Richmond police officers are investigating what the fire chief is calling a possible arson case.

The fire, which happened Feb. 23 in the detached garage at 229 N. Third St. in New Richmond, was deemed suspicious after the flames had been extinguished.

According to police reports, Fire Chief Jim VanderWyst requested offers at the scene after investigating the garage fire. VanderWyst identified two points of origin for the fire, the northwest corner and the northeast corner.

The northwest corner of the garage, the first point of origin for the fire, housed a pop-up, pull-behind camper, according to the report. The camper was completely destroyed in the blaze, something VanderWyst also deemed suspicious. According to VanderWyst, the amount of damage the camper sustained would not have been possible without an accelerant.

VanderWyst also identified the northeast corner of the garage as a point of origin for the fire. In that corner, officers observed charred two-by-fours and damaged siding.

VanderWyst said it was obvious there were two points of origin for the fire because the firefighters were able to extinguish the blaze before the two areas met in the middle.

Officers collected evidence from both areas of the garage and the investigation will continue until the state crime lab has an opportunity to analyze the evidence.

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