SNOHOMISH — Two intentionally set fires destroyed both dugouts along with equipment used by the Glacier Peak High School girls’ fast pitch softball team.
The first fire occurred Friday; the second was discovered early Monday morning. School was not in session on either day.
The Snohomish County Fire Marshal quickly determined that the fires were arson. The Northwest Insurance Council and Arson Alarm Foundation are offering a cash award for tips that result in the arrest or conviction of whoever set the fires. They earmark $10,000 annually for such tips.
Damage to the softball complex was estimated at between $30,000 and $40,000, said Rebecca Hover, a Snohomish County spokeswoman.
Insurance will pick up most of the tab, including for the dugouts, fencing, netting and equipment, said Kristin Foley, a Snohomish School District spokeswoman.
The Glacier Peak girls’ fast pitch booster club is trying to raise money for other costs, such as the deductible. Contributions can be made at Heritage Bank, 1504 132nd St. SE, Mill Creek.
“We are pulling together a list for everything that needs to be replaced,” Foley said.
Foley said she expects the field will be ready by the time the team plays its first game in March.
Other schools, including cross-district rival Snohomish High School, have offered to help.
“That is always so heart-warming,” Foley said.
Many parents and players visited the campus over the three-day weekend to survey the damage.
The dugouts, built by volunteers, “were totally gutted,” said Patricia Nicksic, the booster club treasurer.
A small tractor for grooming the field was destroyed as was other equipment kept in a storage shed.
Anyone with information about the case is asked to call the fire marshal’s office at 425-388-3557 or the Arson Hotline at 800-55-ARSON.
Eric Stevick: 425-339-3446, stevick@heraldnet.com
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