Leaf fire believed to be arson

A fire that was apparently deliberately set in a pile of leaves using an incendiary device in front of a Hutchinson residence Tuesday night. It is under investigation by local and state authorities.

According to Casey Stotts, a state fire marshal, the fire was reported in the boulevard at 440 Grove St. S.W., at 10:18 p.m. The home is the McLeod Treatment Program’s Sheppard House group home for boys.

An arson reward is being offered for up to $1,500 for any information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people involved with this fire. Tips can be phoned into the Arson Hot-line at (800) 723-2020. City ordinances prohibit burning leaves within city limits.

(Terry Davis is a staff writer for the Hutchinson Leader. He can be reached at davis@hutchinsonleader.com.)