After the Party: Octoberfest Party Tent Fire, Arson Investigation on East Golf Road

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Tent fire with whole in the ceiling on the stage side of a party tent that appears to have been intentionally set overnight Saturday-to-Sunday.

Arlington Heights firefighters and police officers responded about 7:30 a.m. Sunday to a report of a large party tent that apparently burned itself out sometime overnight in the 500 block of East Golf Road. Apparently multiple sources of ignition were attempted at decorative corn stalks placed near large propane tanks used for heater fuel. The corn stalks burned entirely (except for corn cobs), but the propane tanks did not explode. Much of the tent was not damaged, but an approximately 6-foot hole was burned through in the tent ceiling material on the east side of the tent. The tent was in place for an Octoberfest party that was held Saturday. The crime is reported to have occurred beween Saturday, October 23rd, 2010 at 11:00pm and Sunday, October 24th, 2010 at 7:30am.

Propane tank warning label and nozzle
Propane tank near area of fire at a party tent behind a commercial building on East Golf Road. A serious explosion or multiple explosions could have occurred if the propane tanks reached ignition temperature.

Police arson investigators were on the scene much of Sunday morning taking pictures and performing technical evidence work.

If any citizens have information about the case, they are urged to call (847) 590-STOP.

Anyone having information about this crime, or any other serious crime in Arlington Heights should use the CitizenObserver Tip411 anonymous tip feature or call Arlington Heights Crime Stoppers @ (847) 590-STOP. Callers are guaranteed anonymity and may qualify for a cash reward of up to $1,000.

Apparent arson with stage and part of tent destroyed.
Stage and decorations destroyed by fire with an overturned propane tank on the left.


All that is left of decorative corn stalks that were apparently set on fire.

More photos in The Cardinal CRIME BLOG album “ARSON INVESTIGATION 10.24.2010

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