FIRE AT WESTFIELD GALLERIA MALL IN ROSEVILLE RULED ARSON

http://www.atf.gov/press/releases/2010/10/102710-sf-westfield-galleria-mall-fire-ruled-arson.html

Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

News Release

San Francisco Field Division

At The Frontline Against Violent Crime

For Immediate Release

October 27, 2010

www.atf.gov

Contact: Helen Dunkel, Special Agent, PIO
Office: (925) 557-2815
Cell: (925) 202-8135
Helen.dunkel@atf.gov

FIRE AT WESTFIELD GALLERIA MALL IN ROSEVILLE RULED ARSON

ROSEVILLE, Calif. — Fire investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Roseville Fire Department and the Roseville Police Department (PD) announced today that the Oct 21 fire at the Westfield Galleria Mall was an act of arson. The incendiary blaze caused at least $55 million dollars of damage. While there is sufficient physical evidence to support this determination, the specific details of the evidence will not be released while the investigation continues.

Stephen C. Herkins, ATF Special Agent in Charge of the San Francisco Field Division, said Arson is an act of violence. ATF is at the frontline combating violent crime and we are committed to completing a thorough investigation with our law enforcement partners.

Roseville Police Chief Mike Blair stated, I appreciate the quick response from ATF to assist in this complex fire investigation. I am pleased with the collaboration of ATF, Roseville PD and the Roseville Fire Department during this investigation. I am thankful that we had ATF’s expertise and resources to help with the processing of the crime scene.

I commend the investigation team for their tireless efforts in completing their work. This has been a collaborative effort between the ATF and the City of Roseville. I appreciate the significant assistance ATF has provided, stated Roseville Fire Chief Ken Wagner.

The ATF National Response Team (NRT) comprised of special agents from across the country, responded to the scene to work alongside local fire and police investigators. The NRT includes a canine team, forensic chemists, origin and cause specialists, fire engineers, and additional specialized personnel. This was the second activation of Fiscal Year 2011 and the 710th activation since the inception of the team in 1978.

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating fires and crimes of arson. More information on ATF can be found at www.atf.gov.

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