Fire At Lower Valley Apartment Ruled Arson

EL PASO, Texas — A fire that broke out at a Lower Valley apartment about 6 a.m. Wednesday has been ruled as arson, El Paso Fire Department officials said. No injuries were reported.

Seven fire units responded to the fire in the 9100 block of Kernel. Heavy smoke was coming from an upstairs apartment, officials said.

The apartment was vacant at the time of the fire. The blaze, which apparently started in a bedroom, was brought under control in about half an hour.

Fourteen occupants of the complex were evacuated as a precaution, including two female infants who were several days old. The infants were evaluated at the scene but were not transported to the hospital, fire officials said. Investigators estimated the damage to the apartment complex at $8,000.

Fire Marshal investigators are asking the public for assistance on finding the person or persons responsible for setting this fire. Anyone with information is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 566-8477 (TIPS).