Man arrested after structure fire near Iowa Speedway Friday

No injuries resulted from a structure fire at 7453 Lincoln St. Friday, but two vacant buildings near Iowa Speedway burned down and one individual was arrested.

After the fire was extinguished, police arrested Rodney Hackwell Sr., a 55-year-old from Gray, for reckless use of fire; he is also being investigated for public intoxication.

According to Jasper County Sheriff John Halferty, Hackwell Sr. was burning items on the property throughout the day and initially lied to an officer about having permission from the Newton Fire Department to burn on the property.

At approximately 5:30 p.m., Newton Fire responded to the 911 call after neighbors heard an explosion. The suspect did not own either of the vacant properties that burned down.

Fire departments from Kellogg and Reasnor also responded to the call.

The fire resulted in a downed power line as well, which closed Lincoln Street and caused backups on Interstate 80.

Halferty said it appears the fire was started by gas, but it is still under investigation.

Contact Alex Olp at aolp@newtondailynews.com