Story Published:
Nov 23, 2009 at 6:39 AM CDT
Story Updated:
Nov 24, 2009 at 10:57 AM CDT
SPRINGFIELD -- Investigators say a fire at Wheeler's Furniture along South Avenue between Pershing and Walnut streets was intentionally set by a burglar. They say it looked like someone rummaged through the office of the damaged building.
There was a cloud of smoke, and fire coming out two sides of the building when crews arrived around 3 a.m. Firefighters had to cut a hole in the roof to let the heat out.
A large parking area surrounding the building made it easier for responders to put the fire out quickly.
"In a downtown area like this, there's a huge risk," said Battalion Chief Julie Williams. "We've got lots of history in the U.S. of fires traveling through city blocks. I was relieved to see it stood by itself"
Damage to the business was contained to one wall. The showroom is more of an outlet store for the owners, who also have a store near Campbell 16 Cinema at 3861 South Ave.
Investigators are still trying to determine what was taken from the store, if anything. They also said this is the third arson at a business in downtown in just six weeks, and now they're looking to see whether any of the cases are related.
