Pine County offers reward in cabin arson case

by Ambar Espinoza, Minnesota Public Radio

Finlayson, Minn. — Pine County authorities are offering a $5,000 reward for information leading to the arrest of those responsible for the arson of several cabins.

Ten buildings were set on fire, including a sportsmen's club, and three others burglarized. The buildings were on Big Pine Lake, about five miles from Finlayson, which is about 90 miles north of St. Paul.

No one reported any injuries.

Pine County Sheriff Mark Mansavage says authorities have gone through each of the crime scenes and they still haven't determined what kinds of accelerants may have been used. He says so far they don't have any solid leads on suspects.

Mansavage says there have been similar incidents in neighboring Aitken and Kanabec counties. Authorities want to know if the crimes are connected.

Mansavage said his department will meet today to review evidence and interviews with homeowners and neighbors. He says residents are on edge.

"We've got very few arsons within the past few years for anyone to really put a finger on and look hard at it," said Mansavage. "It's just one of those things where you don't know if it's someone who came in from the outside, or a local who has an axe and grind against somebody."

Eight buildings burned to the ground. Seven other fire departments and the Department of Natural Resources helped manage the fires.

Broadcast Dates

• All Things Considered, 04/14/2008, 5:50 p.m.