Great Bend Fire Chief Brent Smith reports two suspicious fires occurred early Friday, Nov. 1, in Great Bend. A structure fire was determined to be arson and a possible suspect has been identified.

The first incident was a vehicular fire reported around 3:45 a.m. Crews were dispatched to the 1100 block of Roxanne Drive, where they found a passenger vehicle with fire coming from the engine compartment. The fire was quickly extinguished.

Investigators from the Great Bend Fire Department, Kansas State Fire Marshal Office and the Great Bend Police Department investigated, Smith stated in a news release. “At this time the cause of the fire is considered suspicious as the investigation continues.”

The structure fire in the 1300 block of Holland Street was reported around 5:45 a.m.

“Upon arrival crews found smoke inside of the residence. Crews were able to isolate the burn area to an outside vent on the residence. Again, investigators from the Great Bend Fire Department, Kansas State Fire Marshal Office and the Great Bend Police Department investigated the fire. The fire was determined to be arson. A possible suspect has been identified and is currently being looked for by law enforcement,” Smith stated.

Anyone with information about either of these fires is asked to contact the Great Bend Police Department at 620-793-4120, Crime Stoppers at 620-792-1300, or the Great Bend Fire Department at 620-793-4140.