Reward Offered in Evans Fruit Company Fire

TIETON, Wash., April 28 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Yakima County Fire Marshal and Tieton Fire Department today announced a $15,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person(s) responsible for a large commercial fire that occurred on April 24, 2008, at the Evans Fruit Company packing plant.

The preliminary investigation conducted by ATF, the Yakima County Fire Marshal, Tieton Fire and Police Departments determined the fire was deliberately set.

According to Special Agent in Charge Kelvin N. Crenshaw, of the ATF Seattle Field Division, the structure, located at 61 Hatton Road in Tieton, was heavily damaged and early estimates put the loss at $5 million.

"This investigation is another example of what can be achieved when local, state and federal agencies work together," said Crenshaw. "I am impressed with the cooperation exhibited by all agencies involved in this case. All the investigators are working together as a team to examine the circumstances surrounding this fire."

The public is asked to call ATF's toll-free hotline at, 1-800-ATF-FIRE (800-283-3473) or the Yakima County Tip Line at (509) 574-2278 with any information that may help identify those responsible for this arson. The hotline is answered 24 hours a day and all calls remain confidential.

Contact:

Nick Starcevic, ATF

(206) 510-5128