Arson Likely in Northwest Minnesota Fire That Destroyed Several Homes

Fire investigators say a wildfire that destroyed several homes in the northwest town of Karlstad, Minn., this month was probably arson.

The Department of Natural Resources says the fire is still being investigated, and a $6,000 reward is being offered for information that helps identify the person who set it.

The DNR didn’t say why arson was suspected, and a wildfire supervisor with the agency didn’t immediately return calls Wednesday.

The Karlstad fire, also known as the County 27 fire, was a fast-moving blaze in dry and windy conditions that destroyed 11 homes and damaged dozens of structures.