By Keighla Schmidt, Correspondent 

Five vans designed for disabled people and one passenger vehicle were destroyed early this morning in what police saying is arson.

“We are investigating three related fires that are arson,” Savage police Capt. Dave Muelken stated. “The fires didn’t start themselves, it was a criminal act.”

The Savage Fire Department was working to put a fire out on three vans that were in front of Rollx Vans, 6591 Highway 13, when police on scene noticed two additional vans on fire in the parking lot about half a block west.

“We found where, we think, someone tried to ignite another vehicle,” said Savage Fire Chief Joel McColl.

While combating those two fires, an explosion was heard behind the building and it was discovered that a vehicle belonging to an employee of a neighboring business was on fire. Assistant Fire Chief Bruce Von Bank noted the sound was likely a tire popping and not an engine.

McColl said each fire started within minutes of each other.

Battling the three fires and keeping them contained took its toll on the 21 firefighters from Savage. The Prior Lake Fire Department was called in for mutual aid and brought six firefighters to the scene and sent another six to the station on standby for other calls. Firefighters were at the scene until about 5 a.m., McColl said, and police investigators were there until about 10 a.m.

Of the five vans that were destroyed, three were ready to be sent to customers. Police estimate damages were $200,000.

The case is being investigated by the Savage Police Department, investigators from the Burnsville Fire Department and the State Fire Marshal. Anyone with information on the case is encouraged to contact the Savage Fire Department at (952) 882-2600.