Posted: Oct 5, 2012 11:28 AM by Ian Cross
Updated: Oct 5, 2012 12:39 PM
TUCSON - The fire that damaged a building in a commercial strip mall on East Speedway this morning was intentionally set, Tucson Fire officials confirmed in a news release.
At about 6 a.m. this morning, Tucson Fire crews were dispatched to the commercial center at 5844 E. Speedway to find heavy smoke coming from the roof, and heavy fire around a roll-up door, according to the release.
Speedway Blvd. was closed for about 90 minutes while crews cut a hole in the roof and checked adjacent businesses to ensure the fire did not spread. It took 23 firefighters 19 minutes to get the fire under control, the release states.
Investigators determined the fire was incendiary in nature, meaning it was set intentionally. Damage is estimated to be about $20,000, and the business will be closed while repairs can be made.
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