Fires started by devices in mailboxes

Two recent field fires in Jefferson County are being attributed to the detonation of incendiary devices in rural mailboxes, Jefferson County Sheriff Jerry Droz and Fairfield fire chief Scott Vaughan said today.

To date, the devices have only been placed in rural mailboxes and there have been no injuries as a result of the blasts, but Droz and Vaughan are asking for the public?s help in catching the perpetrators before more incidences occur.

?We want to get this stopped before it goes any further and before someone gets hurt,? said Droz.

Sheriff Droz said residents should be mindful if they see someone meddling with mailboxes or if they see anyone near or around mailboxes who look as though they should not be there. If citizens witness suspicious behavior, they should get a detailed description of the person or persons, note the make, model, color and license plate if they are driving a vehicle and call law enforcement officials immediately.

People should also exercise caution when opening mailboxes, looking for any signs of tampering before they open them, and turning their faces away as they open boxes in the event that there are explosives in them, Droz said.

The present hot, dry conditions in the Midwest increase the chance for fire, Vaughan said, asking that citizens exert extra care when working in fields, burning trash, tossing cigarettes, etc.

?When it?s hot and dry like this, it doesn?t take much to start a fire. One little spark ? that?s all it takes,? said Vaughan.

Vaughan and Droz said due diligence from the public can help prevent both additional crimes and fires.

Anyone with information that could lead to an arrest in these cases should call the Jefferson County Law Center at 472-4146.