Little Free Library, Amphitheater Explosions In Arlington Investigated

ARLINGTON, VA — The Arlington County Fire Department, together with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives and other agencies, is investigating two small explosions that occurred early Wednesday morning in the Arlington Forest neighborhood, including one explosion that destroyed a Little Free Library.

When Arlington County Fire Department crews arrived at the 100 block of North Columbus Street around 12:45 a.m. Wednesday, they found a small fire outside and a destroyed Little Free Library with books scattered around the scene.

A fire marshal was requested and during the initial investigation, it was determined that the likely source of the fire and damage was a small explosion, according to the fire department.

While investigating the initial crime scene in the 100 block of North Columbus Street, officials from the Arlington County Fire Prevention Office found a second possible crime scene at the Lubber Run amphitheater, the fire department said Thursday.

The explosion at the Lubber Run amphitheater and the explosion inside the Little Free Library “are believed to be connected and all possible leads are being explored.”

There are currently no suspect descriptions, according to the fire department.

The scenes were processed by the Arlington County Fire Prevention Office with assistance from the ATF, FBI, Arlington County Fire Department Bomb Squad and the Virginia State Police. The Arlington County Fire Prevention Office will be sending collected evidence to the ATF lab for processing, according to fire officials.

ARLnow reported that at least one person who lives in the Arlington Forest neighborhood ran to help control the fire, where the Little Free Library stood. The explosion was followed by several others nearby, including an explosion that blew up a wooden fixture near the Lubber Run amphitheater, a resident told ARLnow.

The Arlington County Fire Prevention Office is asking anyone who lives in the immediate area with home surveillance equipment to review their video for any information that could assist with the investigation.

Anyone with information pertaining to this incident is encouraged to reach out by emailing FirePrevention@arlingtonva.us, or by calling the Arlington County Police Department’s tip line at 703-228-4180.