Fire at Bee Creek soccer building causes $15-20,000 in damage | News

MURRAY, KY (KFVS) - Fire Marshall Dickie Wall reports the Murray Fire Department responded to a structure fire Monday around 9:16 p.m. at the Bee Creek soccer complex's concession stand.

Walls said they responded with five trucks and 14 men. It took about 45 minutes to control the fire and crews remained on scene until 1:04 a.m. Tuesday. He said the concession building is a total loss.

After surveying the scene, Walls said it appears that the fire was intentionally set. He asks anyone with information about this fire to please contact the Murray Fire Marshal's office at 270-753-1621. You can receive up to $1,000 reward for information leading to the arrest and conviction of an arsonist by calling 1-800-27ARSON with information.

Walls said this is an offense against the community and the person or persons responsible needs to be held accountable.

Tab Brockman, director of Murray-Calloway County Parks, said it is very disappointing that someone would destroy park facilities on purpose. He said they all suffer when senseless acts like this take place to destroy public property.

Brockman said the Park Board will work closely with the Soccer Association in dedication to keep the soccer season on schedule for the 600 kids who play in the local league. He said the spring travel team tournament on March 17-18 will also take place as planned for visitors to Bee Creek and there will be some temporary setups and inconveniences, but they'll move forward.

"Unfortunately, this intentional fire could put a financial strain on both the Park and the Soccer Association as we move forward to bring Bee Creek back to full facilities," said Brockman. "If that happens, it strains on our entire community. But Murray and Calloway County always has people who step up to support our youth and I’m sure that will happen again no matter how this situation turns out."

According to Brockman, the fire destroyed $15-20,000 worth of soccer equipment necessary to start the season. He said there is insurance on the building but they won't know if it's enough for structural replacements and contents until the claims adjusters visit the site in the next few days.

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