Cache County authorities looking for Walmart arsonist

Cache County authorities are investigating who is responsible for setting two fires near a North Logan Walmart.

Jason Killinen, North Logan City fire marshal, said Monday night's blaze outside the Walmart at 1550 North Main Street marked the second time since December that somebody had intentionally started fires just outside the store. Monday night's blaze caused more damage than the first, fire officials estimate.

"We don't even know if it's the same person at this point," he said. However, he noted there were similarities between the two blazes.

Killinen said when the North Logan Fire Department responded to the fire just before 11:30 p.m., they found a row of paper bales on fire on the east side of the loading dock area, as well as a small fire in a stack of pallets against the building. Fire crews were able to contain the blaze to the bales and pallets, but estimated damage was about $11,000. Killinen said authorities determined the fire was intentionally set.

"We think it was lit shortly prior to when we were called," he said.

Killinen said the fire was started in almost exactly the same place as a December blaze, which also remains under investigation.

He said whoever started that fire lit a row of pallets on fire.

The only structure threatened by the blazes was the Walmart store, he said, which escaped damage.

Anyone with information who is responsible for the fires is asked to call investigators at 435-753-7555.

jstecklein@sltrib.com

Twitter @sltribjanelle