Russell Fire Chief Seeking Information About July 4 Fire

City of Russell Fire Chief Dylan Riedel is asking for the community's help regarding a fire that occurred on July 4.

According to a release, the fire department was dispatched to 526 East Parkside, near the new Russell Play Park, for a report of trash can fire.

Crews arrived on scene and quickly extinguished the fire. During the investigation, it was determined that the object was not a trash can, but a portable restroom that had been placed at the ball fields for the recreational ball season. When crews attempted to extinguish the fire, it reacted violently with water, indicating that some type of accelerant had likely been used to start the fire.

This fire is part of a pattern of portable restrooms being set ablaze over the past few weeks, including two incidents in Ellis County.

The City of Russell Fire Department is seeking any information regarding individuals seen in or fleeing the area of the Play Park between 11:30 PM and midnight on July 4. If you have any information or security camera footage from the area during that timeframe, you are asked to contact Dylan Riedel at 785-483-7129 or email dylan@russellcity.org.

All information will be kept confidential to the extent permitted by law. Even seemingly minor details may assist in the investigation.