Arson suspected in Prairie Island fire

Arson is suspected in a fire that damaged a modular home in Prairie Island Nov. 23, Red Wing Fire Marshal Andy Speltz reported. The case has been turned over to the Prairie Island Tribal Police Department for investigation.

Crews were called at 11:44 p.m. to a residence owned by Joseph Campbell at 2160 Other Day Road. A total of 11 firefighters extinguished the fire out about 15 minutes after they arrived. It was determined that the fire started in the hallway.

“Such a location is an unusual place for a fire to start,” Speltz said in a statement.

Accidental causes such as a cooking fire or an electrical problem were ruled out because the fire ignited away from the kitchen or electrical wiring.

Family members said they had not been using open flames or smoking indoors and there was no heating equipment or furnaces in the area, Speltz said.

While Campbell was not at home the night of the fire, Speltz said his daughter and son-in-law were in the process of moving in. The pair had left the residence to pick up more items, and when they returned, they found the house filled with smoke, fire Capt. Scott Will said.

There was smoke damage throughout the house, and “heavy damage” to the hallway and a front bathroom, Will said.

Statewide, only 8 percent of fires start by arson, Speltz said. Locally, there have only been two arson reports in the last four years.

Anyone with information on the fire is urged to call 1-800-723-2020. Rewards of up to $2,500 are available.

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