Investigators search for arson suspect in Food Bank fire

Salinas Fire investigators are calling the devastating Food Bank fire, arson.

Surveillance video released on Monday, shows a hooded suspect walking up to the fire and in the area of the wooden pallets at least four different times. Investigators say the actions clearly indicate someone who wanted to make sure the fire fully ignited.

Some 30 firefighters from agencies across Monterey County battled the two-alarm fire early Saturday morning. It destroyed four refrigerator trucks and part of the loading dock, causing an estimated half million dollars in damage.

The Food Bank for Monterey County immediately felt the impact. A produce market for seniors had to be cancelled Monday because all of the fruit and vegetables had to be thrown away.

“We are doing an inventory to see what food we have that we can actually use, then we will quickly identify and start ordering the additional food to get in here,” said Development Director Melissa Kendrick.

A National Organization called Feeding America is chipping in to help as well as some other donations but if you want to help, go here:

http://www.foodbankformontereycounty.org/

“We serve one in five in the county and when it comes to children, we serve one in four,” Kendrick said. “Over 50% of those we serve are children so really what’s happening now is our most vulnerable populations in our county have the potential of going hungry.”

The Food Bank for Monterey County also donates food to more than 130 food pantries. One of them is Victory Mission, which serves 150 meals a day to people in Chinatown. While they are stocked for the month, they are concerned after that. The executive director, Wayne Ross, hopes people in the community will step in to fill the void.

If you have any information on who may have been in the area at the time of the fire, call Salinas Police at (831) 758-7321.