Fire at Minneapolis bar is second arson try since June

July 24, 2008 at 4:56AM

Fire at bar is second arson try since June For the second time in just over a month, authorities are investigating a suspicious fire outside the Cardinal Bar in south Minneapolis.

Crews extinguished a fire about 10:30 p.m. Tuesday that "was intentionally set" near a wooden fence, said Sgt. Sean McKenna of the Minneapolis Police Department's arson squad.

McKenna said that a June 14 fire outside the bar, at 2920 E. 38th St., just west of the 38th Street light-rail station, also was the work of an arsonist. In that fire, a passer-by saw flames about 4 a.m. and used a fire extinguisher to put out a small fire that burned the bar's awning.

McKenna said officials don't know whether the fires are related. Damage has been minimal.

Police are offering a reward of up to $2,500 for information leading to the arrest and conviction of those responsible. Anybody with information is asked to call the Minneapolis police arson squad at 612-673-3389 or the Minnesota arson hot line at 1-800-723-2020.

TIM HARLOW

about the writer

about the writer

Tim Harlow

Reporter

Tim Harlow covers traffic and transportation issues in the Minneapolis-St. Paul area, and likes to get out of the office, even during rush hour. He also covers the suburbs in northern Hennepin and all of Anoka counties, plus breaking news and weather.

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