For the second time in a matter of months, Jasper County deputies and local fire departments responded to the scene of several pieces of heavy construction equipment on fire near the area of Salmon Street and Highway F62 near Reasnor in Jasper County late Saturday night, Oct. 15.
According to Jasper County Sheriff John R. Halferty, Jasper County Sheriff’s Office Dispatch received a 911 call at approximately 11:38 p.m. indicating several pieces of construction equipment were on fire. Preliminary investigation indicates the fires were intentionally set. The equipment damaged, including three bulldozers and one excavator, were operated by one of the companies contracted by the Dakota Access Pipeline project. The damage is estimated to be approximately $2 million. This is the same area suspected arson of equipment occurred on Aug. 1.
In addition to Jasper County deputies, Sully, Reasnor, and Newton Fire Departments responded to the scene. The Iowa State Fire Marshal, ATF, and FBI are all investigating the case.
No arrests have been made in either suspected arson case. According to Vicki Granado, Dakota Access spokesperson, a $100,000 reward is being offered by Dakota Access for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Anyone with information regarding the incidents is encouraged to contact the Jasper County Sheriff’s Office at 641-792-5912, or the Dakota Access Vandalism Hotline at
1-855-430-4491. Any suspicious vehicles and/or people seen in and around the area may have information or be related to the cases.
