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FD: 150 firefighters put out Gilbert apartment fire; person of interest sought by officials

Posted at 3:49 PM, Oct 18, 2016
and last updated 2016-10-19 14:55:10-04
The Gilbert Fire and Rescue Department is searching for a person in connection to a massive fire. 
 
Authorities say it took 150 firefighters to put out the fire that completely destroyed an apartment complex under construction. 
   
The blaze started Saturday night in the area of Gilbert and Guadalupe roads.
   
Television images showed the construction site had become an inferno with smoke and flames visible for miles.
   
Crews from fire departments in Mesa and Chandler assisted. 
   
Firefighters say flames tore through five buildings and melted playground equipment, but fortunately, no injuries were reported.
 
Investigators have not determined the cause.
 
Witnesses told authorities that a man, between 16 and 22 years old, was spotted in the area wearing a maroon Arizona State University sweatshirt and dark-colored shorts.
 
Fire officials are hoping to speak with him for additional information regarding the blaze. He was wearing long socks and Vans-like shoes. He had shaggy brown hair to the bottom of his ears, long bangs and no facial hair.