Arson to blame in Army Surplus fire

Arson is to blame for a July 4 fire that destroyed the Army Surplus 1 store in downtown Sandpoint.

Idaho State Fire Marshal's Office and Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms made the determination during a Monday investigation at the location of the store, now a pile of rubble.

The Police Department has received several hours of surveillance video and, after examining the footage, an individual was observed walking east on Oak Street at about 10 p.m. and subsequently turning down the parking lot behind Army Surplus, police said. The individual then proceeded into the alleyway, stopping approximately halfway down, before approaching the south wall of Army Surplus. After a short period, a flame on the south wall is observed. The individual is observed stepping back from the flame before walking east to Fifth Ave and leaving south.

Sandpoint Police are asking for all residents and businesses in the area to review any surveillance footage they may have in an attempt to help identify the individual seen in the video footage. If you have any information, please contact Sandpoint PD at 208-265-1482.

The fire marshal has classified this as arson and is offering a $5,000 reward for information.  If you have any information, and you want to remain anonymous, please call their tip line at 1-877-75- ARSON.

The investigation is ongoing, and leads are being vetted as they come in.