Tustin : Public’s Help Sought in Solving Fire Mystery

Authorities are seeking the public’s help in determining who might have started a pair of mysterious fires that damaged the Tustin News building last month.

Arson investigators with the Orange County Fire Department believe the two fires were set intentionally early on the morning of June 17, county fire spokeswoman Kathleen Cha said. The first fire occurred in a dumpster behind the newspaper in the 600 block of B Street and was quickly contained. A second blaze, set in a stack of wood pallets near the dumpster, was reported about an hour later. It was controlled in a matter of minutes, and damage from the two blazes was estimated at less than $500.

Investigators found one incendiary device behind the twice-weekly News, leading them to conclude that the blazes were deliberately set, Cha said.

Anyone with information on the two fires should contact county fire officials at (714) 744-0400. Those wishing to remain anonymous should contact We Tip’s Witness Anonymous Program at (800) 47-ARSON.