Published: June 19, 2009 09:21 am      

SOS for possible arson case

Help is now sought by authorities as they continue looking into a home burglary in the Erin Springs area last week that included a devastating fire possibly caused by arson.

Investigations into the case are now ongoing by both the Garvin County Sheriff’s Department and state fire marshal’s office.

Still, there are more questions than answers right now, which is why county deputies are hoping the public can offer some help.

“We’ve got suspects and have talked to people, but we’re coming up short,” Deputy Zac Henderson said.

“We’re not at a complete dead end, but we’re getting there,” he said.

“If anyone knows anything we’re hoping they’ll give us a call.”

The case getting a close look came after a rural house fire last week south of Lindsay in a far northwestern section of Garvin County.

The entire two-story residence was almost completely demolished with everything inside damaged by flames, smoke and water as area fire departments worked for hours to get the blaze under control.

Once the fire was out an investigation of what remained showed clear signs a home burglary had occurred first.

The evidence indicated that among the items believed to have been stolen were a big screen television, computer and a number of long guns.

“The house was totaled, but what was left showed some items had been stolen and not damaged in the fire,” Henderson said.

Also present were signs the fire in the early morning hours of June 10 could have been started on purpose.

The reason arson is suspected as the possible cause is due to the fact some type of accelerant was found inside the damaged residence.

Sheriff’s officials said the fire marshal’s office is currently working to determine what type of accelerant was found.

Henderson said the home’s residents had left for a vacation only a handful of days before the fire.

He added they learned on their return of the devastation to the house, which had been hand built by the family.

Anyone with information can contact the sheriff’s office by calling 405-238-7591.