Clear Lake firefighters were called to Mason City early Tuesday morning to help cover the community in the wake of a string of fires at a number of businesses and residences.
Zachary Sankey, 38, of Mason City, was taken into custody mid-morning and faces charges of Second Degree Arson and Third Degree Burglary. He is being held on a total of $15,000 cash bond or surety.
According to authorities, The Mason City Fire Department was alerted to a fire at 324 S. Kentucky Ave. A report of a brush fire on nearby Birch Drive was reported shortly after.
At 6:25 a.m. the MCFD was called to Arona Home Essentials, followed by a report of a burglary and fire at Ace Hardware at 6:45 a.m. A propane tank was reportedly thrown threw the hardware store’s glass door and a fire ensued, causing extensive damage.
At 7:15 a.m. a call of a fire at Gracious Estates, on the west edge of Mason City, was reported.
Clear Lake firefighters first responded to the Gracious Estates report, but were sent to stand ready at the Mason City Fire Station in the event of more calls. They were eventually returned to Clear Lake.
Sankey is being held at the Cerro Gordo County Jail.
