Fire at fourplex ruled arson

A small fire in the basement storage area of a fourplex was believed to be the result of arson, according to the Unified Fire Authority.

About 10:45 a.m., fire was reported at a fourplex near 4200 South and Highland Drive. The first arriving units found black smoke coming out of the vents and the front door, said UFA Capt. Wade Russell. Because of that, a second alarm was called.

The second alarm was cancelled almost as soon as it was issued, however. Once firefighters got inside the apartment, they found a small fire in a storage area which was put out quickly. Total damage was $500, Russell said.

The fire, however, was determined to be arson. Russell said investigators had a person of interest Monday that they were investigating who did not live in the fourplex.

— Pat Reavy