The Office of the Kansas State Fire Marshal says Thursday night’s fire at a Wabaunsee County winery was intentionally set.
KVOE’s television partner, WIBW-TV in Topeka, says no suspects are being sought at this time after fire developed at the Wyldewood Cellar Winery shortly before 6:30 pm. One person was killed in the fire, which also caused extensive damage to the business.
The current thought is the fire victim was not associated with the business. Investigators have not confirmed or refuted an on-site statement made by somebody claiming to be a winery manager that the victim set himself on fire. They have also not said whether the fire victim was the person who set the fire.
The victim’s identity has not been determined.
Numerous agencies have been involved in this investigation, including the Kansas State Fire Marshal; Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms; Wabaunsee County Sheriff; and fire departments from Paxico/McFarland, Maple Hill, Alma and Wamego.
