University Park Fire Intentionally Set
A fire that was reported by three alert joggers in the early morning hours of Oct. 16 was intentionally set, according to UP Fire Chief Randy Howell.
At 6:30 a.m., Oct. 16, three joggers spotted a house on fire in the 3100 block of Amherst. They immediately called 911, and then knocked on the door of the neighbors next to the blaze. The neighbors were unaware of the fire, and soon evacuated with their three young children.
The burned house was unoccupied, which originally piqued the interest of fire investigators, Howell said after the blaze. There was no power running to the house, and the homeowners were slated to move in within the month.
After a review of materials found at the scene, the 11-day investigation revealed that the house was torched intentionally. The investigation is ongoing, and residents with any information are encouraged to contact Fire Marshal Mike Nolen at 214-987-5382.
