Date: Fri 03-Sep-1999

Publication: Bee

Author: ANDYG

Quick Words:

arson-dump-truck

Full Text:

Arsonists Torch Dump Truck

(with photo)

BY ANDREW GOROSKO

Fire officials report that unknown vandals overnight August 26-27 set afire a

heavy dump truck which was parked behind Sandy Hook School in connection with

a sewer building project.

The fire caused an estimated $30,000 damage, totally destroying the truck

belonging to PJF Construction of East Hartford. There were no injuries.

"That had to be burning all night," said Fire Marshal George Lockwood, who

estimated the blaze was set sometime around 10 or 11 pm August 26.

Firefighters were alerted to the blaze about 7:30 the next morning, he said.

When Sandy Hook firemen arrived, they found the smoldering hulk of the

destroyed truck.

Although there are several homes along Crestwood Drive near the schoolyard,

the fire burned for hours without being noticed, the fire marshal said.

When the tires of the truck exploded, it must have made very loud noises, he

said, adding "It's puzzling."

Rain overnight held down the intensity of the flames, Mr Lockwood said.

The fire was definitely an arson, he said, noting that beer bottles were

strewn about the area, tools were thrown around, and a fuel cap had been

removed from the truck.

Mr Lockwood said he expects the destroyed truck was the work of teenagers.

Fuel apparently was drained from a fuel tank and placed in the truck cab where

it was set on fire, he said. The heat of the fire caused the truck's

Fiberglass cab body to melt.

Mr Lockwood said he is turning the arson investigation over to Detective

Sergeant Henry Stormer who is a deputy fire marshal.

John Whitten, the sewer inspector for the town, said PJF had been using the

truck to haul materials for the extension of sewers to Sandy Hook School. The

company will require another vehicle to continue its work, he said.