During a joint press conference held today in San Marcos, the San Marcos Fire Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) announced they have ruled the July 20 Iconic Village Apartment fire was intentionally set and ATF is offering up to a $10,000 reward for information leading to identification and/or arrests.
People with information on the suspect or suspects responsible for setting this fire should call 1-888-ATF-TIPS or email ATFTips@atf.gov.
“This is the most deadly fire in San Marcos history and we are calling on the public to assist in providing vital information to solve this crime,” said San Marcos Fire Chief Les Stephens.
The investigation has spanned four months and included on-the-scene examination, many witness interviews, and testing at the ATF’s Fire Research Laboratory. Following a thorough examination of the scene all evidence led investigators to the certainty that this was an intentional act.
“We contacted ATF for assistance the day of the fire due to the resources they are able to provide, such as the National Response Team,” explained Stephens. “Their capability allowed them to deploy to San Marcos within 24 hours which was especially important with a commercial fire of this magnitude.”
Officials have determined where and how the fire started but are not releasing that information while the investigation and search for suspects continues. The fire killed five people and gravely injured one.
Potential charges following an arrest could include arson at either the state or federal level.