Arson Suspected In Vacant Duplex Fire Downtown

EL PASO — Investigators with the El Paso Fire Department (EPFD) suspect arson in a fire that destroyed a vacant duplex in Downtown El Paso.

The fire erupted at about 4:42 p.m. Sunday in the 1000 block of S. Tays. According to fire department officials, when crews arrived at the scene, heavy smoke and flames were still visible.

Officials say 13 fire units responded to the scene and the fire was contained in 30 minutes. An investigation revealed the fire was set intentionally and total damage to the structure was estimated at $90,000.

Anyone with information that may lead to an arrest in connection to the fire is urged to call Crime Stoppers at 566-8477 (TIPS).

This Tuesday, inspectors with the city’s fire, health and buildings department will begin inspecting vacant building throughout the city. The first inspection is will be the American Furniture Building located at 105 N. Oregon.

The goals of the inspections are to identify vacant or abandoned buildings, make contact with the building owner, and to conduct inspections that may prevent fires.

———-By News/Web Producer Joe Villasana