Investigation shows no link between recent covered bridge fires

Investigators suspect last weekend’s fire that slightly damaged a covered bridge in Madison County probably isn’t connected to fires that destroyed a covered bridge in southeast Iowa last week — or in Madison County last year. Lieutenant Robert Hansen, a spokesman for the Fire Marshall’s office, says there are no final conclusions, though.Hansen says the fires that destroyed the historic covered bridges bear similarities, such as the amount of property that was destroyed and the manner in which an accellerant was used. Hanson says the fire last weekend at the still-standing Hogback Bridge in Madison County lacks those two similarities. Hansen says fire investigators do not believe gasoline or a similar accellerant was used in last weekend’s fire. Hansen says the Fire Marshall is working with the Sheriff’s departments in Madison and Keokuk Counties, and all are soliciting the public’s help in solving the cases. Hansen says anyone who saw someone make an unusual purchase of gasoline or some other flammable liquid should come forward. Tipsters can call the Iowa Arson Hotline at 1-800-532-1459. Calls are routed to the Fire Marshall’s office, and Hansen says hopefully something will come soon that’ll give investigators a break to help solve these cases.