The Daily Campus

Issue date: 4/28/09 Section: News

Media Credit: Ryan Sayers A fire at this unoccupied building near X Lot was reported by a UConn police officer on Sunday morning about an hour after police cleared X Lot of Spring Weekend parties. The Mansfield Fire Department determined the cause of the fire was arson and is looking for more information.

A cash reward is being offered for information related to a fire that officials say was intentionally set in an unoccupied building near X Lot Saturday night.

The fire was noticed and reported by a UConn police officer at 1:47 a.m. Sunday morning, about an hour after police cleared X Lot of partiers celebrating the final night of Spring Weekend, said UConn police major Ronald Blicher. The UConn fire department responded within two minutes and the fire was determined to be under control by 2:15 a.m. Willimantic and Mansfield fire departments assisted in extinguishing the fire.

The building was unoccupied and boarded up at the time of the fire, said John Jackman, deputy chief and fire marshal of the Mansfield Fire Department. The department has determined that someone broke into the building and that the cause of the fire was arson. The basement area of the building suffered minor damage.

"We are offering a $2,500 reward for information regarding this fire," Jackman said.

Information is confidential and monetary rewards will be offered for people or groups of people who help the police determine who set the fire, even if there is no arrest or indictment, Jackman said. Anyone with information is asked to call the arson tip line toll free at (800) 842-7766 or the Mansfield Fire Department at (860) 429-3328.

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