Arson Suspected in Latest Dakota Access Pipeline Fire

For months opponents have been protesting the $3.8 billion, nearly 1,200-mile pipeline, warning its construction could jeopardize water supply and damage cultural artifacts.

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REASNOR, Iowa (AP) — Authorities suspect arson in the latest burning of heavy equipment being used in the construction of the four-state Dakota Access pipeline in central Iowa.

The Jasper County Sheriff's Office says the blaze late Saturday near Reasnor, Iowa, caused about $2 million in damage to an excavator and three bulldozers. The equipment is operated by a contractor for Dakota Access, a subsidiary of Dallas-based Energy Transfer Partners.

Opponents have, for months, been protesting the $3.8 billion, nearly 1,200-mile project pipeline, warning its construction could jeopardize water supply and damage cultural artifacts.

Another suspected arson of construction equipment happened on Aug. 1 at the same site, about 30 miles east of Des Moines.

No arrests have been made in either fire. The Iowa Fire Marshal Division and the FBI are investigating.

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