Tampa officials look for arsonist in store fire
TAMPA (AP) – Tampa Fire Rescue authorities say someone robbed a store and set it on fire, causing the second suspicious strip mall fire in recent days.
The fire broke out around 5:20 a.m. Sunday at an engraving store. A fire erupted at the store next door on Thursday.
Tampa Fire officials say the store owner from Sunday’s fire noticed several items missing, including a computer and cash. Tampa Police are working with the Fire Marshals Office to find the arsonist.
On Thursday, authorities responded to the same area after a fire erupted at a data store, causing about $120,000 in damage. The owner escaped with minor injuries.
Thursday’s fire was ruled an accident. Authorities said the owner was cleaning computer parts and used a butane iron which ignited a fire.