The agency was called in because the incident happened at a place of business, Re's Barbershop, 606 Fremaux Ave. Agents are working with the Slidell Police Department and St. Tammany Fire Protection District 1 to investigate the fire, suspicious due to evidence found at the scene.
Also significant was how quickly the fire spread.
 ATF Special Agent in Charge Billy Blair, Slidell Police Chief Freddy Drennan and St. Tammany Fire District 1 Fire Prevention Chief Neil Ricca unveil a poster announcing a reward for information on the June 6 fire. (Staff Photo by Anne Lautzenheiser) |
The blaze occurred around midnight on June 6. Ricca said the incident presented great potential for injury or further damage, as the shop is located near a residential neighborhood, and several downed power lines were arcing in the street.
Owner Clifton 'Re' Hopkins is facing substantial losses and has moved his business down the street until he can determine his next step.
The incident occurred on a heavily traveled thoroughfare, and investigators are hoping that fact may lead to a break in the case.
'Cars go up and down Fremaux at all hours,' said Slidell Police Chief Freddy Drennan. 'We're hoping that because there is so much activity on the street, someone who may have seen something will come forward.'
While some citizens have suggested the crime may be racially motivated, Drennan said he does not suspect the fire was a hate crime. Also, there is no evidence connecting the incident to another fire that occurred a few blocks away, on Fairbanks Street, less than a week later.
The ATF is monitoring a 24-hour phone line in hopes of getting information that will lead to the arrest and conviction of those responsible.
Anyone with any information about the fire is asked to call toll-free 1 (888) 283-3473.
Callers will remain anonymous.
'Anyone who has lost a home or business knows how badly that can hurt a family,' said ATF Special Agent in Charge Billy Blair. 'We take this very, very seriously.'
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