Ecology Terrorism Doubted In Arsons - Washington Post

[hatrack]

Surprise, surprise, surprise . . .

Authorities investigating last week's arsons that destroyed 10 unoccupied new homes in Charles County are leaning away from eco-terrorism as a possible motive and are focusing more on people who had routine access to the work site, law enforcement sources familiar with the case said yesterday.

Investigators also have identified the types of liquid accelerants that they believe were used to start the fires at the Hunters Brooke subdivision, according to the sources, who spoke on the condition of anonymity because the probe is continuing. They described the flammable liquids as two kinds of cleaning solvents, one of which is used for metal. It was unclear what specific types of solvents were used.

Arson experts not involved in the investigation have said in interviews that automobile degreasers often contain flammable petroleum distillates and sometimes are used in arsons. "We have seen them used before, but not often," said Lt. Tim Hattwick, a veteran fire and arson investigator with the Prince William County fire department

EDIT

Environmental extremists involved in similar disputes across the country have used arson as a protest tool and then claimed responsibility for their fires. As of yesterday, no one had issued such a claim in the Dec. 6 fires."

EDIT

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A64714-2004Dec14.html

[NashVegas]

1. locking - duplicate

discussion here:

http://www.democraticunderground.com/discuss/duboard.php?az=show_topic&forum=102&topic_id=1072826