WINONA, Minn. – Firefighters extinguished an arson-lit fire in a trash barrel outside the public library on Fifth Street. Because the fire was caught quickly, the library was undamaged. This was about 5:30 p.m. The fire was spotted by a family passing by. They tried to put out the flames with bottled water they were carrying — and called 911. Firefighters were on scene within minutes. Police later viewed surveillance video, which showed. a woman approach the library. She lit something on fire, possibly a rag, and held it up against the building a few seconds, then threw it, still burning, into the trash barrel. She then walked away. Police recognized the woman in he video and began looking for her.
Neoclassical gem. The Winona library, built in 1899, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Inside is a classic art collection. The centerpiece is a dome of of stained glass by 19th century artist Otto Heinicke.
