PECULIAR, Mo., Oct. 14, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) Kansas City Field Division, the Peculiar Police Department, the West Peculiar Fire District and the Cass County Fire Investigative Team announced today arson was the cause of the multiple fires at the Hunt-Martin Materials, LLC, 7410 E. state Route YY in Peculiar, Mo.
Investigators began the scene investigation by examining five separate structures spread throughout the quarry. The final investigation revealed that a total of seven structures within the facility were damaged by separate fires which were intentionally set. The fires caused approximately $750,000 in damage to the buildings, ranging from minor to complete consumption damage. No injuries were reported.
The scene investigation was conducted by ATF, the West Peculiar Fire District, Missouri State Fire Marshal's Office, and the Cass County Fire Investigative Team. The Cass County team was comprised of the various police and fire departments within the county. In addition, Kansas City Missouri Police Department's ATF-trained accelerant detection canine was utilized in the investigation.
ATF dispatched a Certified Fire Investigator (CFI) and additional special agents to the scene. CFIs are highly trained special agents, who provide technical support, analysis and assistance to its state and local partners in the areas of fire origin and cause determination and arson investigation.
The ongoing criminal arson investigation is being conducted by ATF and the Peculiar Police Department. Anyone with the information about the incident should call ATF at 816-559-0700 or the Peculiar Police Department at 816-779-5102.
ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating fires and crimes of arson. For more information about ATF, go to www.atf.gov.
Contact:
SA Trista Frederick, PIO
(816) 559-0724
SOURCE Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
