AURORA | Aurora Fire investigators say there is no suspicion of criminal intent regarding a blaze that on Friday destroyed a structure belonging to a local nonprofit organization that provides a slew of resources to thousands of immigrants and refugees.
Sherri-Jo Stowell, a spokesperson for Aurora Fire Rescue, said “there is no known criminal aspect to the case, and there are no specific leads,” related to a fire that decimated a toolshed located beside Stanley Marketplace Sept. 3.
The structure was located at a satellite location of the Village Exchange Center, a collective based on South Havana Street that provides food, healthcare and other resources to the city’s expansive immigrant population.
The cause of the fire has been deemed “undetermined,” according to Stowell.
The torched shed housed tools used on the nearby garden and farm space that provides fruits and vegetables to the Village Exchange Center’s food pantry.
Officials with the Village Exchange Center estimated the net losses from the fire, including tools, security cameras and staff time, to total more than $75,000.
The shed fire occurred after a string of incidents at the nonprofit’s community farm, in which a person “vandalized plants, produce and beehives,” according to Agent Matt Longshore, spokesperson for the Aurora Police Department.
Longshore said the incidents were reported to police on Aug. 19. He said some $55 of vegetables were reported damaged after being thrown to the ground.
Amanda Blaurock, co-founder and executive director of the organization, did not immediately respond to a request for comment Tuesday. Sources said she is currently out of the country on a trip organized by Aurora Sister Cities.
“This has been a sad weekend for our community who sees this space as a place of refuge and love,” the group wrote on its Facebook page Sept. 5.
Village Exchange Center is currently accepting donations to replace the tools and equipment burnt in the fire.
America for Americans.
No immigrants or refugees needed.
Where were you on Friday when the fire started? Can anyone verify your location?
Remember when it was generally accepted that Nazis were bad? I miss those days.
Weird how this is the only article that claims “no foul play’ meanwhile there’s an ongoing investigation. Nice one, Sentinel. You gonna scratch APD’s back too or just the ass kissing?