Fire officials are now saying last month’s fire at Beaver Dam Outfitters, which sent one firefighter to the hospital, was arson.
“With all the factors we have seen to this point, we do not see this as an accidental fire,” said Fire Captain Bruce Toussaint.
Fire investigators initially became suspicious because the fire appeared to have started in more than one spot, according to Toussaint.
Specially trained dogs found accelerants in several areas.
State crime lab tests have since confirmed the presence of an accelerant which was different from anything the camping, hunting, fishing and archery supply store might have stocked, Toussaint said.
The criminal investigation is now in the hands of the police department. Police Chief Russell Laine said, “When the time is appropriate, we will release the details.”
Toussaint said the charges in the case will be upgraded from felony arson to aggravated arson, a Class X felony, which carries a mandatory prison term, because of the injuries sustained by a firefighter when part of the roof collapsed.
Bryan Diercks was treated for minor burns at Sherman Hospital after hot ash fell down the back of his coat.
Owner Adam Brancamp opened the store four years ago. It has been closed since the fire Oct. 22.
