Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives

MINNEAPOLIS — The Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives, in conjunction with the Minneapolis Fire Department, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal Division, announced a reward of up to $5,000 for information related to the Dec. 3 fire at a south Minneapolis apartment complex.

While scene investigators are meticulously working to uncover evidence and to determine the origin and cause of the blaze, investigators focusing on leads are calling on members of the public for information to help move the case along more quickly.

“While we have additional specialized National Response Team personnel present here in Minneapolis, we’re going to leverage that advantage by offering a reward now, before a final determination on the origin and cause of the fire is made,” said Special Agent in Charge William McCrary, of the St. Paul Field Division. “Offering this reward does not mean that any determination as to the cause of the fire has been made. The team is looking at multiple possibilities, and the possibility of accidental, or intentional causes has not been ruled out.

“Our intent for the reward is to expedite the investigation by helping to narrow down possible causes, all of which is a part of our investigative process,” McCrary continued. “We encourage people who have valuable information to come forward and help bring this investigation to a successful conclusion.”

ATF’s National Response Team was activated shortly after the blaze at 2312 Lyndale Ave. S., and the team is carefully and deliberately working the scene to determine the origin and cause of the fire. The team brought in excavating equipment on Tuesday and is dismantling the wreckage to help expose indications and locations for where the fire could have potentially started.

Anyone with information about this incident or identification of the individuals who may be involved is asked to contact ATF. Call 888-ATF-TIPS (888-283-8477), email ATFTips@atf.gov or submit information anonymously via www.ReportIt.com or the Report It mobile app, available on Google Play or Apple App Store. When using Report It, select “ATF – St. Paul Field Division” as the reporting agency.

For those providing information, include as many details as possible relating to the identity and/or whereabouts of an individual. If a reward is sought, a tipster’s name and contact information must also be provided. To be eligible for the reward, information provided must lead to the successful conclusion of the investigation, including the arrest and conviction of those responsible, if the fire is ultimately ruled an incendiary fire.

ATF is working alongside Minneapolis Fire Department, the Minneapolis Police Department, and the Minnesota Department of Public Safety State Fire Marshal Division on this investigation.

ATF is the federal agency with jurisdiction for investigating fires and crimes of arson. For more information about ATF, go to www.atf.gov. Follow @ATFHQ and @ATFStPaul on Twitter for updates regarding this activation.