[Forward from TESC Media Relations]

Two Suspicious Fires Reported at Evergreen Sunday, September 14

The McLane Fire Department and The Evergreen State College Police Services responded to two fires at Evergreen early Sunday morning that caused an estimated $35,000 in damage. Arson is suspected. One fire, in a campus residential housing area near the intersection of Overhulse Road and Driftwood Road, was reported shortly after 2 a.m. and engulfed five Dumpsters adjacent to a housing unit. The unit closest to the fires, and those nearby were unoccupied. Housing check-in for fall term begins September 20. The second fire, reported about 4:20 a.m., destroyed a tool shed and hoop greenhouse at the college’s organic farm on Lewis Road on the west side of the campus. Damage from the Dumpster fires is estimated at $5000. Damage from the fires at the organic farm is estimated at $30,000. The McLane Department will be working today to determine the causes of the fires. Arson is suspected. Evergreen’s Police Services will lead the criminal investigation. In an effort prevent further incidents, potentially identify those responsible and maintain campus safety, the college will be temporarily stepping up campus police patrols, enlisting Residential and Dining Services staff to more closely monitor the housing areas for suspicious activity, and requesting additional back-up patrols by the Thurston County Sheriff's Department. If anyone has information related to these incidents, they are asked to call The Evergreen State College Police Services at 360-867-6832. ###