Police investigate second suspected arson at abandoned Fargo steel plant

FARGO — City police have released photos of a vehicle and one or possibly more people who may have started a fire in the former Mid America Steel building in downtown Fargo on Sunday night, April 11.

The fire was the second case of possible arson in the vacant 14-acre site along the Red River and Northern Pacific Avenue in the past three weeks.

Fire Marshal Ryan Erickson said Tuesday that investigators determined a fire was set in a second building on the site and that they would be working with police. On March 22, firefighters battled a fire throughout the night in one of the site's abandoned office buildings.

In the first of the fires, police have identified two juveniles and one adult as suspects. The case has been forwarded to prosecutors and Juvenile Court for review of charges.

After the latest fire, Fargo city officials said they are planning to expedite the demolition process for the site, which has been vacant for a couple of years and is one of the focal points for a renewal plan on the eastern side of downtown along the river.

More than a dozen buildings make up the 116-year-old plant site, which the city purchased from Mid America when the company moved to the northwest part of Fargo.

"The building is not very secure, even though we have placed fencing around," said city Planning Department Assistant Director Mark Williams.

At the last city commission meeting, Commissioner John Strand suggested they put out a request for purchase of the site as-is. However, Mayor Tim Mahoney said then that they had talked with developers and there didn't appear to be anyone biting.

City Strategic Jim Gilmour said there is asbestos and possible minor petroleum contamination underground that would need to be remedied. Also of concern is the need for flood protection along the site, which would reduce the 14-acre site to about 4 acres for development on the "dry side."

But with two fires in three weeks, Commissioner Dave Piepkorn told WDAY on Monday that once all the new bids requested on Monday are in, the commission is likely to approve the lowest bid right away to get the plant down.

"It's gotten to the point where you've got to say no, it's all just got to go now," said Piepkorn. "It puts firefighter lives in jeopardy."

The city hopes to set a demolition timeline by next week. Until it's knocked down, the Fargo Police Department said it will increase patrols around the complex.

1/2: Police are seeking information on the identity of this person who may have taken part in the second intentionally set fire at the Mid America Steel building in downtown Fargo on Sunday night. Submitted photo

2/2: Here is another view of the vehicle that Fargo police believe may have been involved in the second intentionally set fire in the former Mid America site in the past three weeks. Submitted photo