Blaze destroys $1 million in logging equipment

By The Associated Press

MONTICELLO — Authorities in south Arkansas say a suspected arson in Drew County damaged more than $1 million worth of logging equipment.

Authorities say nine pieces of equipment caught fire at a logging site on County Road 8, known as the Wilmar Tram. Six machines were destroyed while three were damaged. Authorities say the machines ranged in value from $100,000 to $200,000 apiece.

Drew County Sheriff Mark Gober says it appears the fires began between 10:30 p.m. Sunday and 2 a.m. Monday.

Gober says the machines were parked at least 40 to 50 feet apart, and that it appears each piece of equipment was set ablaze individually.

No arrests have been made, and authorities say a reward is being offered for information leading to the arrest and conviction of whoever set the fire.