Suspicious fire reported at farm near Miami

Charred fields and the remains of a building destroyed in a fire Jan. 8 can be seen on the Narron farm near Miami. A co-owner, Brenda Roberts, believes the fire was caused by vandalism or arson. State fire marshal's officials are investigating. (Contributed photo) [Click to enlarge]

The Missouri State Fire Marshal's office is investigating a fire that destroyed several buildings on a farm in northern Saline County early Jan. 8, according to a Sheriff's Department report.

The fire apparently was not reported to authorities at the time, possibly because it occurred at night and the property is located in isolated bottomland near the Missouri River, making it difficult to see the smoke, according to a co-owner, Brenda Roberts. She said she and three siblings own the property.

Roberts, who now lives in Ohio, reported the fire to the Sheriff's Department Jan. 12 after she learned about it from neighbors, according to deputies.

She estimates the loss at $40,000 to $50,000. In addition to a house and several out-buildings, eight to 10 acres were burned, she said.

Roberts told deputies the fire seemed suspicious because the buildings had no electricity and there were no storms about the time of the fire that could have caused it.

In a telephone interview, she said the case had been referred to the fire marshal's office. The investigator assigned to the case was not immediately available for comment.

Roberts said a lawsuit over the partition and disposition of the property had resulted in Saline County Public Administrator Mary Toliver being named receiver in September 2008.

According to unofficial online court records, Lafayette County Circuit Court Judge Gary G. Sprick on Jan. 9 ordered the property to be sold by the Saline County Sheriff.

Roberts said the farm was owned for years by her parents, William and Dora Narron, both deceased.

Sheriff's deputies may investigate further, pending the results of the fire marshal investigator's report.

Contact Eric Crump at marshalleditor@socket.net