Yakima Fire Department:Two Fires This Week Caused By Burglars

Burglars trying to break into two local businesses are blamed for setting two fires earlier this week, according to the Yakima Fire Department.

"We believe it was like a blow torch device that was used, we don't see it as they intentionally wanted to start a fire," said Capt. Tom Schneider. "It appears that it was a mistake by them as they were trying to break into the businesses. "

The first of the two fires was reported Monday at a storage unit near Bemis Applicance & TV on South First Street. That fire caused some $80,000 damage. The second fire started minutes later, causing $300,000 worth of damage at Audio King on East Nob Hill. No arrests have been made. The investigation has been turned over to the Yakima Police Department.