06/25/2026
Over the past several weeks, the Cambridge Police Department and Cambridge Fire Department have responded to multiple intentionally set fires involving portable toilets located in city parks.
Beyond the cost of replacing damaged property, these fires place firefighters, law enforcement officers, and the public at unnecessary risk. Every response to an intentionally set fire requires significant emergency resources that could otherwise be needed for other emergencies in our community.
To help prevent additional incidents and protect public safety, the City of Cambridge will be removing all portable toilets from city parks until this pattern of vandalism and arson subsides. While we recognize this may inconvenience park users, this temporary measure is necessary to reduce the opportunity for additional crimes and protect our community.
Under Minnesota law, intentionally setting fire to property valued at more than $300 may result in felony arson charges, particularly when the fire creates a risk to nearby structures, property, emergency responders, or the public. What may seem like a moment of poor judgment can carry serious legal consequences.
The Cambridge Police Department is actively investigating these incidents and is asking for the public's assistance. Anyone with information about these fires, or who may know who is responsible, is encouraged to contact Detective Trevor Corbett at 763-689-9567 or [email protected].
Individuals may also provide anonymous information through the Minnesota Arson Hotline at 1-800-723-2020. The Minnesota Chapter of the International Association of Arson Investigators administers the Minnesota Arson Reward Project, which offers rewards of up to $5,000 for information that assists investigators and leads to the arrest of those responsible for qualifying arson-related crimes.
