Arson Suspected in String of 6 Sawyer County Fires

Sawyer County Sheriffs release surveillance video while appealing to public for information

DULUTH, Minn. – Sawyer County Sheriffs released a short surveillance video on Wednesday, showing an individual seen near one of the fire locations.

Sawyer County Sheriffs are appealing to the public for information regarding a string of suspected arsons. Six structure fires were reported in the last week, all clustered near Exeland, Radisson, and Birchwood Townships.

The first fires date back to November 18, when three were reported within the early morning hours. Two were residential homes, and the other was the Birchwood American Legion.

A fourth fire was reported Saturday morning at a gas station. No injuries were sustained in any of the fires, but the buildings all suffered damage with the first two fires causing complete losses.

The press release said that six fires are thought to be linked, however, FOX21 has not received a reply about when the two other fires occurred.

The Wisconsin Department of Justice, Division of Criminal Investigation’s Fire Marshal Office is assisting the county in its investigation. Sheriff Doug Mrotek stated his department’s intent to keep the public safe, and then urged “anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward.”

A tip line for the investigation has been established, and anyone with information is encouraged to call 844-267-0711.