12-05-2025
Arson at TCAAP bunkers in Arden Hills under investigation
Arson at two old bunkers at the former Twin Cities Army Ammunition Plant in Arden Hills sent smoke billowing into the air over the weekend.
The underground storage bunkers were built out of creosote-coated heavy timbers, according to the Lake Johanna Fire Department. They were used for ammunition storage during World War II, but no longer held munitions or hazardous materials, said Fire Chief Tim Boehlke.
'Someone went through some real effort to light these fires and get them going,' Boehlke said of the Saturday fires.
The bunkers are south of County Road I and Fairview Avenue. The area is difficult to access and there aren't fire hydrants. Fire engines and tankers, including from neighboring departments, had to bring in water. Firefighters stretched close to 2,000 feet of hose, Boehlke said.
Lake Johanna Fire made the decision to allow the fires to burn themselves out, while monitoring the situation. One of the bunker fires was 'essentially out' by Sunday morning and the other was still smoldering as of Sunday afternoon, according to Boehlke.
Anyone with information about the arsons can call the fire department at 651-415-2100 or the Ramsey County Sheriff's Office.
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