Photo: Round Spring Visitor Contact Station was destroyed by fire earlier this week. NPS Photo
VAN BUREN, Mo. — Officials with Ozark National Scenic Riverways are requesting assistance locating persons responsible for suspected theft and arson of government property. On Sunday, at approximately 11:13 p.m. park rangers responded to the scene of a structural fire at the Round Spring Visitor Contact Station, which consisted of a small visitor contact center and ranger offices. Local area volunteer fire departments from Timber and Eminence suppressed the fire. No one was injured however the building was a total loss.
An active investigation of the fire and associated theft of property is underway by the National Park Service (NPS) Investigative Services Branch, along with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and the Missouri State Fire Marshal’s Office.
Anyone in the area of the Round Spring Visitor Contact Station on Sunday between 9 p.m. and midnight is asked to contact the NPS Investigative Services Branch Tip Line:
• Call or text the ISB Tip Line 888-653-0009, go online at www.nps.gov/ISB and click “Submit a Tip”;
• Email nps_isb@nps.gov; or
• Emergency dial 9-1-1
The entire Round Spring campground, picnic pavilion and day use area near Round Spring will be closed while investigators work at the scene. For information and updates on the reopening of the area, call (573) 323-4236 or visit the park’s Facebook page.
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