Amador County – Amador County and state authorities on Wednesday announced that the March 6 early morning fire at Jack-in-the-Box restaurant in Martell was caused by arson and that several people of interest have been identified.

A release provided collaboratively by the Amador County Sheriff’s Department, Amador Fire Protection District and the California Department of Forestry and Fire Protection gave details on the investigation, saying at 5:41 a.m. on March 6, “the Amador County Sheriff’s Office received a 9-1-1 call reporting that Jack-in-the-Box in Martell was on fire. The 9-1-1 call was transferred to Cal-Fire Camino, which dispatched fire personnel and apparatus.”

At about 1 p.m. on March 6, “fire investigators from Amador Fire Protection District and Cal-Fire began the scene investigation to determine the origin and cause of the fire. Based upon the initial investigation, the investigators determined the cause of the fire to be arson.”

Authorities said the “fire investigators collected evidence samples which were provided to the Amador County Sheriff’s Office and transported to the California Department of Justice for analysis. The Amador County Sheriff’s Office, Amador Fire Protection District and Cal Fire are conducting a joint investigation into this arson.”

The joint report said “thus far, numerous interviews have been conducted and several people of interest have been identified. Video surveillance from area businesses has been obtained, reviewed and evaluated. Law Enforcement reports documenting prior incidents at Jack-in-the-Box are being examined and a number of search warrants and court orders have been executed.”

Story by Jim Reece This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.