Bad stuff happens in every neighborhood and in every town. In some regards, it’s just part of life, especially in the city.
But when that “bad stuff” is actually a fire meant to burn down a longtime Cincinnati establishment, you bet we’re going to get angry.
A person attempted to start a fire among the propane tanks at the downtown Woods Hardware on Sunday, CEO Matt Woods says on social media. Camera footage that Woods posted to his personal public Facebook page appears to show a man in a black jacket and light pants walking with a box and a white plastic bag toward the plants stacked outside of the store. He appears to be wearing eyewear or goggles.
Another angle captures the man from behind, and white markings on the jacket sleeves are visible (one Facebook commenter suggested these could be the “HH” type treatment for Helly Hansen, an adventure clothing company).
In Woods’ final image, a large pile of soot and debris can be seen at the base of the propane tanks, which are locked in a metal case outside the store.
In the comments to his post, Woods says that cameras from Kroger captured a man in similar clothing, also carrying a white plastic bag.
Woods says that the fire attempt happened around 8:30 a.m. Sunday. Luckily, the store was saved.
“I am incredibly thankful for the Good Samaritan who helped move the burning pallet off the propane,” Woods says in his post.
Woods also notes to commenters that he had been in touch with the Cincinnati Police Department and that the fire inspector said multiple other fires had been started over the weekend.
If you have information about the thwarted fire at Woods Hardware or any of this weekend’s other arson attempts, contact Woods Hardware or the Cincinnati Police Department.
This article appears in Jun 1 – Jul 6, 2021.
