Arson suspected in fire at home near downtown

7/8/2013

A fire in a near-downtown residence caused an estimated $6,000 in damages Sunday and was the work of an arsonist, fire officials said.

Battalion fire Chief James Price said firefighters were dispatched to the blaze at 1:40 a.m. at 910 Locust St.

A neighbor told fire officials that the tenant had been seen at the house about 6 p.m. Saturday, but there was no one home when crews arrived.

An arson investigator was summoned by Chief Price, and it was determined the fire began at the base of the stairway leading to the second floor.

There were no injuries, and firefighters had the blaze under control by 2 a.m.

The chief estimated damage to the structure at $5,000, and $1,000 to its contents.