WILSON, Pa. — Investigators have designated a fire that hit the former Dixie Cup factory in March as arson.
After nearly two months of investigation, fire during the early hours of March 14 was declared an arson “due to the findings that we collected at the scene,” according to Wilson Fire Captain Barry Rogers.
“We found multiple points of origin in one room, which would indicate that this was an incendiary fire.”Wilson Fire Captain Barry Rogers
Rogers, the lead investigator on the case, said no one has been apprehended, and there were no details regarding any potential suspects.
“We found multiple points of origin in one room, which would indicate that this was an incendiary fire,” Rogers said Tuesday.
Rogers encouraged anyone with information to call Wilson Police Department at 610-258-8746.
The blaze originally began about 6:30 a.m., before Wilson’s department and several others from neighboring municipalities brought it under control.
It was extinguished about 9:30 a.m., officials said.
'Charges are in the mail'
Wilson police have had trouble with trespassers at the site.
"If you climb over the fence and walk around the property you are committing Misdemeanor Trespassing. If you enter the building, you could be charged with Felony Criminal Trespass and or Burglary."Wilson Police post on Facebook
This message was posted to the police Facebook page less than a week after the fire:
“What is commonly known as the Dixie Warehouse on S. 24th St. in Wilson Borough is private property and closed to the public," the post reads.
"If you climb over the fence and walk around the property you are committing Misdemeanor Trespassing. If you enter the building, you could be charged with Felony Criminal Trespass and or Burglary.
“We'd also like to thank the recent trespassers for posting videos on various social media sites of you trespassing. You've made our jobs much easier.
"If you haven't received them already, your charges are in the mail.”
Developers are trying to develop the former factory into 1921 at Dixie, a 405-unit apartment complex with 900-square-foot units starting at about $1,900 per month.
More than 3,300 square feet of commercial space also has been planned for the property.
Cost estimates for the project are $155 million.
Lehigh Valley Planning Commission most recently advanced the project on March 18.
