Evanston fireworks-store blaze was arson, police believe

Police in Evanston, Wyo., have brought several people in for questioning in connection with a fire that destroyed a fireworks shop.

"We're certainly most inclined to believe it was arson," Evanston Police Capt. John Kirby told the Deseret News on Wednesday.

The Aug. 28 fire destroyed the Black Cat Fireworks building off Exit 3 on I-80 just over the Utah-Wyoming border. Explosions were occurring constantly inside the metal building, which is fully stocked with fireworks. Firefighters, worried for their safety, had no choice but to let the building burn to the ground.

Evanston police detectives have questioned several people in connection with the fire, but Kirby said no motive has been established.

"We've brought some down and done some interviews and interrogations," he said.

Authorities were looking at a possible link between the fire and some business burglaries in Evanston. Police and firefighters were first notified of the blaze when a security alarm went off about 1:30 a.m., indicating a break-in.

Evanston's fire chief said a police officer about a minute away arrived and saw the building fully engulfed in flames.

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com