Dakota County ‘suspicious’ fires under investigation

The Dakota County Sheriff’s Office is investigating six fires that authorities are labeling as "suspicious."

The fires have been found in and around county parks. Most of the fires discovered were located in the Lone Rock Trail area in Rosemount, with the last one occurring near the Schaar’s Bluff Trail southeast of the Inver Grove Heights/Rosemount border, according to the sheriff’s office.

The fires did not damage any large structures; however, the sheriff’s office is worried about dry conditions possibly creating a bigger issue.

The sheriff’s office has collected items for forensic testing, increased patrols and added surveillance cameras in these areas. Anyone with information regarding these fires are asked to contact the sheriff’s office at 651-438-4700 or use the online tip line.