There is "absolutely no pattern" to what started the 54 structure fires Duluth has seen so far in 2008, according to Duluth Fire Chief John Strongitharm.
"We're seeing bigger and more intense fires more frequently. If you could put your finger on any one thing, of course you'd go after that," Strongitharm said. "But the causes for these fires are all over the place."
Structure fires this year have had a wide array of causes, including:
n Arson: Arson is suspected of causing $60,000 in damage to a vacant apartment building at 221 E. Third St. on June 10.
n Electrical: Fire investigators have determined a failed electrical circuit likely started the May 4 fire that killed Heather and Kaiden Johnson and Adrian Carter at 226 N. Piedmont Ave.
ADVERTISEMENT
n Smoking: Errant cigarettes started the March 31 fire at 721 N. Eighth Ave. E. that killed 66-year-old Craig Gene Clemens and burned the back porch of Third Street Bakery on May 24.
n Accidents: An exploding lithium battery pack is suspected as the cause for an explosion and fire June 7 at 1605 E. Skyline Parkway. The accident resulted in $100,000 in damage.
NEWS TRIBUNE
