Florence, Ala., Fire Deemed Arson

A warehouse fire in Florence, Ala., that caused more than $1 million in damage has been classified as an arson, State Fire Marshal Ed Paulk said last week.

“The evidence collected at the scene clearly points to arson,” Paulk said. “We have set up a task force of federal, state and local officials to investigate this fire.”

The warehouse, located on Forrest Avenue, was home to Southern Pipe and Supply, a plumbing supply operation. The building was built in the early 1960s and previously served as a soft drink bottling plant.

The fire was reported at 4:21 p.m. on Jan. 27. The building and contents were a total loss.

Source: Alabama Department of Insurance