$15 Million Fire Declared Arson

Mark W. Potter, special agent in charge of the Philadelphia Field Division of the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), announced Jan. 31 that the Jan. 23 fire that destroyed Chipsco Mold & Design, Meadville, Pa., was intentionally set.

Sandy Smith

Feb. 1, 2006

Investigators from ATF and the Pennsylvania State Police jointly have worked the 9936 Liberty St. fire scene since the blaze was extinguished. Chipsco Mold & Design is a 50,000 square foot warehouse and manufacturing facility. Damages to the business and structure are expected to exceed $15 million.

"Arson presents a danger to the citizens of a community and the on-scene firefighters," said Potter. "ATF and the state police will continue their dedication to combating arson, one of the most costly of public safety problems. We urge anyone with any information to please contact ATF or the Pennsylvania State Police. We will follow up on all leads reported to us."

Information regarding this case should be reported to the ATF Erie Field Office at (814) 456-1200 or 1-888-ATF-FIRE, or the Pennsylvania State Police Meadville Barracks at (814) 332-6911.