The Michigan State Police Fire Investigation unit is offering a reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the responsible party in connection with two fires near 120th Avenue and 10th Street in Martin Township.
Martin Fire & Rescue firefighters handled a fire Wednesday morning on the northeast corner, just a few weeks after being summoned to put out a fire on the southwest corner of the same intersection.
The cause of both fires is believed to be arson.
In the August fire, the two-story home had been empty for many years and all that was left standing was the fireplace.
Martin resident Doug MacVean also is offering a reward. He posted on Facebook today, “I am offering to match the MSP reward up to $5000 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for the two arsons that have happened on our farm this year. Please direct all calls to the number on the sign.”
The proximity of the two incidents prompted one local resident, a mother, to ask about it Wednesday night at the Martin Township Board meeting.
“That’s three (fires) in the last six months,” she claimed. “Do we know if any of them are purposely lit?”
Board Trustee John Schipper, a former fire chief, said it’s his understanding that the first of three fires she was talking about was accidental. He added that the two remaining fires are being investigated vigorously.
