Reward offered after residents help extinguish suspicious fire in Milton-Freewater

MILTON-FREEWATER — Local authorities are offering a $2,000 reward for information after two residents stopped a suspicious early morning blaze outside a local business last week.

Firefighters responded to a 911 call at 2:57 a.m. Wednesday regarding a grass fire outside Picker’s Paradise, located at 84027 Highway 11. Before crews arrived, two men, only identified by their first names, Vern and Kelly, used a shovel, a long metal pole, and a fire extinguisher to contain the flames, preventing the fire from spreading to several tractor-trailers on the property.

“We are extremely grateful to those that put out the fire, and very upset this happened,” said business owner Gary Stack. “Please do watch out for each other as this was without a doubt arson.”

By the time the Milton-Freewater Rural Fire Department and EMS arrived, the fire was nearly extinguished. Fire officials presented both men with certificates of appreciation and a replacement fire extinguisher for their quick action.

Vern and Kelly also provided crucial details to law enforcement, reporting a person fleeing the scene and providing a physical description. Law enforcement detained an individual matching the description, but according to Stack, the suspect was later released without formal charges due to a lack of sufficient evidence.

Authorities are urging community members to remain vigilant, report suspicious activity, and call 911 immediately upon seeing smoke or fire. Residents should not confront suspects directly. Anyone with information regarding the person or persons responsible is asked to contact local law enforcement.

Photo courtesy Gary Stack

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Elkhorn Media Group