Mpls police investigate cause of fire at Dayton's former home

by Rupa Shenoy, Minnesota Public Radio

St. Paul, Minn. — Minneapolis police are investigating the cause of a minor fire at the former home of Governor Mark Dayton near Lake Harriet.

Sergent Steve McCarty said the fire started early Saturday morning. It came on the second day of a state government shutdown caused by an impasse between Dayton and state Republicans over how to balance the budget.

McCarty said police suspect arson since gasoline and lighter fluid were found at the scene. He says there were no messages from the person who might have set the blaze.

McCarty said the current homeowners were able to put the fire out quickly so there was little damage.

"To say that it's politically motivated at this time would be premature, but you certainly can't ignore that," said McCarty.

Dayton spokeswoman Katherine Tinucci said the governor hasn't lived in the home since 1985. She had no comment on the possible arson.

McCarty said police have no suspects.