By Beacon Staff
A Burlington woman was arrested and charged with first-degree arson after a garbage can in the 24-hour lobby of the Burlington Post Office caught fire Tuesday, March 22.
Traci Lynn Wilcox Andrews, 46, has also been charged with reckless use of fire.
According to a press release issued by the Burlington Police Department, Burlington Police and Fire were dispatched to the post office (300 N. Main St.) at 8:38 p.m. Tuesday for a report of a possible fire. Upon arrival, officers learned a garbage can in the 24-hour lobby portion was on fire.
Officers and an employee of the post office working inside the building at the time utilized fire extinguishers to subdue the blaze. The Burlington Fire Department also further extinguished the fire upon their arrival. Through investigation, a person of interest in setting the fire, who was still in the area of the post office, was discovered. The person (Andrews) was transported to the police department for questioning.
Andrews was arrested at the conclusion of the interview. Andrews was then transported to the Des Moines County Correctional Facility and is being held on bond pending an initial court appearance.
Anyone with additional information regarding this investigation is encouraged to call the Burlington Police Department at (319) 753-8375 or Crime Stoppers at (319) 753-6835.