Arrests made in connection with Trempealeau County arson investigation

Three individuals are now in custody following an arson investigation in Trempealeau County.

Authorities say Steven Langrick, 58, and Kimber Burkhardt, 41, both from Whitehall, and Heather Schmitz, 33, from Arcadia were all taken into custody early last week.

According to the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Department, a mobile home near Whitehall was reported on fire at around 4 a.m. on Sept. 23.

The Whitehall Fire Department responded to the scene at W17386 Norse Lane #19 in the Town of Lincoln and found the structure engulfed in flames.

Firefighters were able to contain the blaze and prevented the flames from completely destroying the trailer.

Authorities initially flagged the fire as suspicious and began working with the State Fire Marshal’s Office through the Division of Criminal Investigation to investigate the incident.

A tip about one of the suspect’s cars reportedly led to the trio’s arrest. Formal charges from the District Attorney’s office were pending.

The mobile home was occupied at the time of the fire by two men, 40-year-old David Myhre and 22-year-old Aaron Adams, but neither were hurt.

Authorities say one of the men woke up to use the bathroom, then discovered the fire and called 911.

The sheriff’s department is still unsure exactly what the motive of the arsonists was, but acknowledged that the victims and those in custody are acquaintances.

A wood fire was set near the base of the mobile home, police say.

The fire remains under investigation by the Trempealeau County Sheriff’s Office, Whitehall Fire Chief and the State Fire Marshal’s Office.