Published: September 07, 2007 10:08 pm      

Fire marshal’s office: Wyoming County mine fire ruled arson

The Labor Day strip mine fire in Wyoming County that damaged more than $5 million in equipment has been ruled arson, state fire marshals say.

Kim O’Brien, secretary for the state fire marshal’s office investigative division, confirmed the fire at the Dynamic Energy strip mine at Coal Mountain had been ruled arson. No suspects have been arrested.

Wyoming County firefighters were dispatched to the strip mine at 9:32 p.m. Monday, according to the state fire marshal’s office. They found three end-loaders on fire upon arrival.

Two Caterpillar 992G end-loaders found on fire were worth an estimated $2.2 million each, the fire marshal’s office said. A Caterpillar 998G end-loader was worth $750,000. The total value of equipment damaged was $5,150,000.

Investigators from both the state fire marshal’s office and the Wyoming County Sheriff’s Department are looking for anyone who may have information about a man seen in the area just before the fires. He was described as an adult driving a black ATV with red stripes and chrome rims.

The state fire marshal’s office offers rewards up to $2,500 for any information leading to an arrest and conviction on any arson fire. Beckley-based Bluestone Coal, owner of Dynamic Energy, is offering up to $25,000 as an additional reward for information leading to an arrest and conviction of a person(s) responsible.

Anyone with information about this case, or any arson case, is encouraged to contact the toll-free, 24-hour Arson Hotline at 1-800-233-3473. Callers can remain anonymous.

— E-mail: apridemore

@register-herald.com