Maple Grove Lynde Greenhouse Fire Investigated As Possible Arson
Maple Grove police are investigating the fire early Sunday morning at Lynde Greenhouse and Nursery as a possible arson, police said Tuesday afternoon.
According to a press release, investigators have identified five juveniles as persons of interest in the case.
“Investigators are seeking assistance in identifying any other individuals and any other information the public may have,” said Maple Grove police Cmdr. John Wetternach in the release.
The announcement comes as volunteers showed up Tuesday morning to help salvage plants at the Maple Grove greenhouse.
Firefighters work to put out Lynde Greenhouse and Nursery fire
Firefighters responded to the greenhouse at 3:25 a.m. Sunday. The fire took several hours to put out, officials said, causing severe damage to many of the buildings on the site.
“It’s very much totally destroyed,” Maple Grove Fire Chief Tim Bush said. “The auxiliary buildings where the heating plant was, some of their storage area and one of their large greenhouse complexes, it’s gone.”
Bush said greenhouse items including peat moss, plastics and agricultural products helped fuel the flames.
The Maple Grove Police Department is encouraging anyone with information on the case to call Detective Angela Tschida at 763-494-6214 or email atschida@maplegrovemn.gov.
Those wishing to remain to anonymous can do so by submitting a tip to Crime Stopper of Minnesota at 1-800-222-8477 or crimestoppersmn.org. Those with tips can also reach the Arson Reward Tip Line at 1-800-723-2020.
