MERRIFIELD - Crow Wing County authorities are asking anyone with information about a suspicious fire that destroyed a man's home and damaged his nearby business to call the Minnesota Arson Hotline.
The blaze at Grandpa's General Store in Merrifield happened in the early morning hours of Nov. 1, 2014, and was reported by a passerby who spotted flames from Crow Wing County Road 3.
Investigators discovered gasoline trails surrounding the home and store. Three other nearby buildings were doused with gasoline, but never caught fire.
Anyone with information or who saw anything suspicious in the area around the time of the fire is asked to call the Minnesota Arson Hotline at 800-723-2020. Information can also be submitted online at www.mniaai.org/index.php/home/arson-hotline-submit-a-tip.
A $2,000 to $6,000 reward is available for information or assistance that leads to an arrest.
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The owners of Grandpa's General Store, 26044, Crow Wing County Road 3, are repairing the shop and hope to open in the spring. The home was a total loss.
The fire remains under investigation by the Crow Wing County Sheriff's Office and the Minnesota State Fire Marshal Division.
