Family Trying to Rebuild After Suspected Arsons Destroy Everything

A GoFundMe page has been set up for a family who lost their home in suspected Sawyer County arsons

DULUTH, Minn. – State and local officials continue to investigate a string of suspected arsons that is now up to six, while one family tries to rebuild.

Rick and Jean Clark’s home in southwest Sawyer County was one of the first in a string of recent fires in the area, that authorities suspect are the results of arson. Their home, along with a lifetime of memories, was a total loss.

A relative of the family shared the GoFundMe page, set up for the Clark’s, with our newsroom, and the community has already began showing their support. The money collected will help cover both immediate and long-term needs.

Nobody was home when the fire was reported during the early morning hours of November 18. In total, three fires were reported that morning in the towns of Radisson, Meteor, and Birchwood; all suspicious structure fires, and all within about 15 minutes of each other.

A fourth fire was reported at DJ’s Mart gas station, again during the early morning, on November 23. The Sawyer County Sheriff’s Office sent out a press release on Wednesday, along with a clip of surveillance footage, showing someone walking near the scene of one of the fires. The release indicated that authorities were now investigating six fires as possibly being the result of arson.

When we reached out to ask what additional two fires were being investigated but have not received clarification as of publishing.

Visit the Clark’s GoFundMe page