MASON CITY – A car that fully burned over the weekend in the Cultural Crescent was likely caused intentionally, Mason City fire investigators revealed Monday.
Just about a block from the famous Frank Lloyd Wright walking tours and the home of Mayor Eric Bookmeyer, a car burned to a crisp on August 23 at about 3:00 AM. Fire investigators are now saying that the fire was caused intentionally.
Mason City firefighters were dispatched for car on fire beside a garage at 425 1st Street NE at the time and date mentioned. Both units that responded found a car fully engulfed in flames, it was then extinguished by firefighters.
Rick Mathis, owner of the garage and rental property next door, said, “As long as everyone is okay, this is all cosmetics. The damage to the garage is minimal with just a little money coming out of my pockets.”
“This car was maroon,” Mathes explained. “I am not mechanic, I am not a fire marshal, but my layman’s opinion is that is is very difficult for a car to start on fire by itself. That was a hot fire.”
As part of an immediate investigation, owner of vehicle – Scott North of St. Ansgar – and neighbors were questioned by police officers, Deputy Chief Christiansen and investigator Aaron Beemer. Siding on the west
side of the adjacent garage was melted off due to the heat from the fire. The garage is owned by Rick
Mathis. Forced entry was made into the garage to check for extension of the fire and no problems were found.
Most probable cause of fire was intentionally set by unknown person at this time. The vehicle is a total loss of about $3,000 with major damage to engine compartment and rear of vehicle. The passenger compartment was intact and had very little interior damage other than the dash.
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