By Roger Lanse

When Silver City police officers were dispatched to the Silver City impound lot at 1510 W. Market Street on Sunday, July 9, at about 4:38 a.m., they saw flames coming from the third and fourth bays on the west side of the lot. Officers immediately summoned the Silver City Fire Department, according to an incident report, but as all the gates to the lot were locked, firefighters cut the locks on the lot’s east and west sides to gain entry.

Inspecting the perimeter fencing, the report stated, officers determined the fencing had been cut in three different areas, twice on the east side and once on the west.

A 2007 Jeep Commander parked in the third bay was damaged along with the impound building.

SCFD Chief Milo Lambert stated his guys got to the fire about 5 a.m., and they had it under control in about 10 minutes, except for some smoldering tires on the Jeep. “The cause of the fire was likely an ignitable liquid and all signs point to arson at this time,” Lambert said.

There were no reported injuries, according to Lambert.

SCPD Chief Ed Reynolds told the Beat that leads are being followed in connection with the fire.

Charges pending include arson and criminal damage to property.