Cliff Buchan
News EditorOfficials in Forest Lake continue to investigate the cause of a fire in Columbus Township last week that destroyed the home and did damage of $200,000.
It was more than a serious house fire as experts from three outside agencies were called in after authorities found explosive materials stored outside the garage, said Fire Chief Gary Sigfrinius.
Forest Lake Fire & Rescue was called to the Marc and Marcella Walton home, 7550 170th Ave. at 4:54 p.m., Thursday, April 15. Sigfrinius said the blaze started in the homeís attached garage and quickly spread to the main dwelling.
The cause of the blaze remains under investigation by the State Fire Marshalís Office. Sigfrinius said the home was a total loss with damage likely in the area of $200,000.
The chief said two officers from the St. Paul Police Department Bomb Squad were called to remove explosive materials stored in improvised containers that has been placed in a dog house on the west side of the garage.
Sigfrinius said the homeowner made homemade fireworks and used the explosive materials for the fireworks.
Two agents from the federal ATF agency were also on the scene because of the materials, the chief said.
The blaze was brought under control in about an hour and firefighters remained on scene for six hours, the chief said.
Two pickup trucks ó a 2002 GMC and a 1977 Ford that was being restored ó were in the garage and also destroyed.
On-scene mutual aid was provided by the Wyoming Fire Department while volunteers from the Hugo Fire Department stood by at the Forest Lake Fire Station.
Sigfrinius said the Anoka County Sheriffís Office has assigned an investigator to the case.
Walton declined comment at the scene last week.
Top of Page
