Two arrested in Evanston fireworks shop fire

Two people have been arrested in connection with a fire that destroyed a fireworks shop in Evanston, Wyo.

Evanston police said Thursday that Rory Brunow, 21, of Lyman, Wyo., and a 17-year-old boy were arrested on investigation of burglary, larceny, conspiracy and arson. The pair are suspected in a series of business burglaries and believe the fire at the Black Cat Fireworks building was meant to cover up another break-in.

"It was just another ploy for another burglary," Evanston Police Lt. Bill Jeffers told the Deseret News.

The Aug. 28 fire destroyed the Black Cat Fireworks building off Exit 3 on I-80 just over the Utah-Wyoming border. Explosions rocked the building, which burned for hours. Firefighters were worried about their safety and had no choice but to let the building burn to the ground.

Fire investigators are still calculating the cost of damage to the fireworks company. The building itself is a total loss.

Police credited tips from the Evanston community that helped identify suspects. The investigation continues and more arrests are pending.

"There was some other people also involved with it," Jeffers said. "They were involved in the conspiracy to commit these burglaries and the arson."

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E-mail: bwinslow@desnews.com