Investigators confirm that 11 fires in 3 months all arson-related

Department of Public Safety fire investigators yesterday confirmed that 11 fires that occurred from November 2011 to February of this year in the southern part of Saipan were all arson-related incidents.

Police Officer Jason Tarkong said Crime Stoppers is seeking the community’s assistance for information on those fires.

Tarkong, who is also Crime Stoppers Program coordinator, said that, on the month of November 2011, three fires believed to be intentionally set off broke out, including two that occurred on the same day.

On Nov. 17, fire engulfed the former Tokyo Tower Club on Beach Road, Chalan Kanoa, in the afternoon. That night, blaze razed the former Wonderful Carwash on Beach Road, Chalan Kanoa, next to Sugar Dock.

Two days later, at 10:31pm, The Vegetable Stand/Harvest Market located near the former Sun Leader now called Toha Market was set on fire. The blaze spread and damaged the adjacent Harvest Market.

Tarkong said that on January this year six arson-related fires happened.

Tarkong said that, on Jan. 8 at 12:59am the former Spicy Thai Restaurant in San Antonio was set on fire.

On Jan. 12 at 9:41pm, the former building of garment manufacturer MGM located across Hopwood Junior High School in Chalan Piao was set on fire. The fire damaged the storage area on the first floor of a three-storey building.

At 11pm on the same day while firefighters were still fighting the blaze at former MGM building, a small room located next to Monte Carlo building was also on fire.

Two days later at 2:47am, a building owned by Dr. Cabrera located in Chalan Kanoa was burned.

At 5:36am on the same day, an abandoned building located in Chalan Kanoa south of the U.S. Post Office was burned. The fire spread and razed an occupied structure where several people had been living. One child was hospitalized for smoke inhalation.

On that night, the office of Mount Carmel School president/principal was burglarized and vandalized. The principal’s desk was set on fire.

For the month of February, two arson cases occurred in San Antonio.

Tarkong said that, on Feb. 8 at 10:48pm, a fire destroyed the Trench Tech Gym and the former Kalayaan Catering located at the former Michigan Garment Factory.

The blaze started at Trench Tech and spread toward the former Kalayaan Catering, located in the same building.

Tarkong said that, on Feb. 12 at 3:36am, the former Michigan Garment Factory was burned.

Tarkong said the fire also damaged a small room located near the area.

“We need your help. Please contact the Crime Stoppers hotline at 234-7272 should you want to remain anonymous or use our website at HYPERLINK “http://www.nmicrimestoppers.net” www.nmicrimestoppers.net. Crime Stoppers pays up to $1,000 for any information leading to an arrest,” Tarkong said.