Minneapolis lumberyard fire investigated as arson

The cause of a fire at Shaw Stewart Lumber in northeast Minneapolis was initially undetermined, but investigators now believe the fire was a case of arson. 

The fire started at about 11 p.m. Saturday, March 7 at the lumberyard at 645 Johnson Street NE. The single-story warehouse was engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived, and a partial collapse of the building forced firefighters to keep their distance. No injuries were reported.

Security video shows two people crawling into the lumberyard under a gate, then running in and out of buildings for about 8 minutes. Two minutes after leaving the building that burned, smoke begins to pour out.

"I realize that they may not be able to make facial recognition, but we're hoping that someone may have talked about this fire, or the fact that there is now media exposure that it will make people talk," said Sgt. Sean McKenna.

Minneapolis Arson Hotline: 612-673-3070 or 800-723-2020

FIRST REPORT - Massive fire at northeast Minneapolis lumberyard