An investigation by Columbia fire marshals into four structure fires in four months believed to be started by smaller “warming fires” has been forwarded to the Columbia Police Department’s criminal investigations unit.
939 the Eagle’s Mike Murphy, the publisher of Comobuz.com, reports Columbia Police acknowledge the four open arson investigations but are declining further comment. Murphy reports fire marshals have determined that all four fires were likely started by a homeless person trying to stay warm.
The first fire happened in March when Noodles and Company on Ninth street downtown burned. That fire caused heavy damage to the restaurant. The next fire happened at Plush Lounge on the Business Loop, which was a two-alarm blaze. 38 Columbia firefighters battled that fire, and flames were shooting from the roof when CFD crews arrived. A fire involving a Little Dixie Construction trailer also happened on the Business Loop. Then in July, a small outside fire spread to the Orr street studios in downtown’s North Village Arts District. Murphy reports about $110,000 in damage was done to the Orr street studios and an artist’s studio.
No arrests have been made at this time, according to Murphy. Click here to read Mike’s more extensive story on the fires.
