‘Warming fires’ blamed in four Columbia arsons

Investigations by fire marshals into four structure fires in four months believed to be started by smaller “warming fires” have been forwarded to the Columbia Police Department’s criminal investigations until. CoMoBUZ.com reports that city police acknowledge the four open arson investigations but are declining further comment. Fire Marshals determined that all four fires were likely started by a homeless person trying to stay warm. The first fire was in March when Noodles and Company on 9th Street downtown burned. Then it was Plush Lounge on the Business Loop, and then the Little Dixie Construction trailer also on the Business Loop. Last month a small outside fire spread to the Orr Street Studios in the North Village Arts district downtown.