While police investigators have concluded the Wiard Plow factory fire was intentionally set and they have at least two suspects, no arrests have been made yet.
"We're still trying to nail down a few things," said Det. Kevin Czora, who has been leading the investigation.
A number of youths may have been involved in setting both fires in the historic factory building on May 8. The first fire did little damage and was put out quickly. The second fire several hours later leveled the back part of the old brick, steel and wooden structure.
At least one person was present at the ignition of both fires, Czora said.
Czora said he doesn't know why the youths set the blaze.
They may have used accelerants to help push along the second fire, but lab results are not back yet.
After the State's fire dog, "Shadow," alerted on chemicals on the old factory floor, investigators attempted to gather traces of whatever chemicals were on the floor to send to a crime lab.
Detectives conducted numerous interviews over the past several weeks, Czora said. The interviews were key both in identifying suspects and corroborating statements.
In a release about the investigation earlier today, the PD said evidence used to crack the case included "electronic" evidence. Asked if that meant phone calls or text messages or cell phone photos, Czora just said, "communications." He said the communications included suspects and witnesses.
The youths apparently entered the factory buildings without permission on dates previous to the fire, Czora said.
The case has taken a long time to develop to this point, Czora said, because investigators are trying document as many details as possible.
"Because of the scope -- the evidence, the witnesses, the suspects -- we just needed to make sure we investigated thoroughly and completely so as to make sure nothing is unidentified or missing from the investigation," Czora said.
It will be up to County Attorney Charles Zambito to file charges once the investigation is complete, and the youths will be dealt with in family court.
