Teacher twice falls victim to vehicle arson, fire officials say

A local teacher has twice become the victim of vehicle arson, and authorities are asking for the public’s help in solving the crime.

Fire and law enforcement personnel were called to the incident, reported in the 13300 block of Northwest Second Avenue at about 11 p.m. Monday.

Witnesses reported hearing a boom that sounded like a mortar shell going off and walked outside to see that the passenger-side wheel well of a 1994 Ford Explorer parked in a home’s driveway was ablaze, Clark County Deputy Fire Marshal Susan Anderson said.

“This is the second time in the past month that this vehicle has been targeted by an arsonist,” Anderson said.

The there was evidence of gasoline being used, Anderson said, though the source of the boom has not been determined.

Anderson said the victim was a local teacher, but did not elaborate.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call Anderson at 360-397-2186, ext. 3321.