Word on the Street is… Rumor Only

by Lin McNulty

Rumor on the street is that an arsonist is in custody—case solved. Unfortunately, says Fire Marshal Paul Turner, “it’s not true. We’re just not there.”

Orcas Issues received a “tip” this afternoon that someone had been taken into custody. Turner says his office also received several phone calls from islanders hearing the same rumor.

As stated by Orcas Fire Chief Kevin O’Brien at the recent Fire Department Town Hall meeting, the recent fire scenes on Willis Lane and at the Orcas Artworks in Olga remain under “robust investigation.” Although the first fire on Willis Lane on June 7 has been determined to be arson, the two additional fires on July 19 are still listed only as “suspicious.”

Turner indicates they are awaiting results from the overloaded Washington State Crime Lab as the investigative agencies continue to piece together bits of this complex puzzle. “We have done everything we are supposed to do,” says Turner. “It takes time. These things don’t get solved in a 60-minute TV segment.”

Anyone with information is urged to call the Fire Department or the Fire Marshal at 376-2331, or the San Juan County Sheriff’s Office at 378-4151.

The Alarm Foundation and the Northwest Insurance Council have offered up to $10,000 reward for the arrest and conviction of any individual or individuals involved in these incidents. There is also a private $5,000 cash reward offered, as well, under the same conditions.