3 Guzzlers torched, officials suspect arson

ARSONISTS TORCH 3 GAS GUZZLERS

By GIL BRADY
The Cowboy Times

Filed 4.27.09, 2:11 p.m., MST

Updated 4.27.09, 7:58 p.m., MST

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JACKSON (CT) – Arsonists struck early and often Thursday morning, causing firefighters and police to battle three separate car fires that incinerated all three vehicles and a portion of a home, according to Jackson Hole Fire/EMS Chief Rusty Palmer.

Palmer said firefighters answered their first call around 3 a.m. behind Jackson Whole Grocer where they found a Range Rover ablaze. While still suppressing the first fire at 4:19 a.m., emergency responders were drawn to a second vehicle, a Dodge Ram truck, whose flames charred one side of a rental cabin on Budge Drive above Sidewinders Tavern while bubbling the passenger door to a sports car parked beside it before being extinguished.

At 6:01 a.m., the chief said, police and fire crews responded to a third torched car, an older model SUV, burning by Jackson Hole Brake & Alignment near where the first fire had started.

Palmer believed the third incident may actually have been started closer to the first, but drew the attention of firemen later because of its slower ignition rate. A neighbor who lived near where the Dodge was incinerated said the truck's owner claimed not to have any enemies.

Inside the gutted truck: the remains of a Game & Fish manual behind the naked springs of an ash-strewn seat.

As of late Friday, no injuries or arrests were reported in connection with any of the suspicious fires and officials said they were investigating each as arson.

“We're still examining photos and burn patterns,” Palmer said when asked if anyone reported explosions during the fires and whether he thought the three were related.

Though authorities roused the cabin's occupant and cleared them safely from the scene, police say whoever started that fire could face a charge of attempted homicide. Tipsters are encouraged to call 733.5148. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward for the arrest and conviction of those responsible.

Photo captions & credits: "Aftermath of one arson on Budge Drive, overlooking Broadway in Jackson, Wyo., pictured are an incinerated Dodge Ram truck, a sports car parked beside, and a partially damaged rental cabin" By Andrew Wyatt for The Cowboy Picayune-Sunny Times