Investigators look into possible arson case in Argusville

Argusville, ND (WDAY TV) - Investigators are looking into a potential case of arson near Argusville. An old horse barn burned to the ground this morning.

The cause of the fire is unknown but investigators say it looks suspicious. There was no source of electricity going to the old barn and no reports of lightening that could have sparked a blaze.

Before 8:00 a.m., a passerby saw smoke south of Argusville and called the Harwood fire department.

Steve Gabrielson, Cass County Sherriff’s Detective: “They came out here and found that the, what I've been told is a horse barn, totally engulfed in flames.”

Firefighters quickly doused the fire but many questions were left behind in the smoldering remains.

They called out investigators to look into potential arson.

Gabrielson: “We'll have to do some more investigating to see if we can find out what may have caused it, who may have caused it, if that's the case.”

The property owners live in West Fargo and had planned to tear the barn down anyway.

But though there were no injuries or monetary loss, the unexpected fire could have been dangerous.

Gabrielson: “It could have gotten into the tree claim. The tree claim surrounds the farmstead. That would have made a mess, especially with the dry conditions and the heat and the wind that's going on today. The last thing we want is an out-of-control blaze of any sort.”

Several fire departments responded this morning.

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