Midwest City officials say fire intentionally set, but not calling it arson

MIDWEST CITY, Okla. (AP) — Fire marshal: blaze that destroyed dozens of home in Midwest City, Okla., intentionally set.

 
By Robert Medley - Staff Writer | Modified: April 10, 2009 at 5:59 pm | Published: April 10, 2009    Comment on this article Leave a comment


The fire that destroyed 17 homes and damaged many more was intentionally set, Midwest City officials said this afternoon.

Jerry Lojka, Midwest City fire marshal, said investigators have determined the fire was set by an individual at SE 29 and Post Road on Thursday.

photo - Relatives and friends of Nathan and Sammetra Christman help salvage personal belongings from their home at 2040  Westbury St. in the Oakwood East Royale neighborhood. It was their first opportunity to get a look at their home  that was destroyed in Thursday's wildfires.  in Midwest City  Thursday, April 9, 2009.  Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman
Relatives and friends of Nathan and Sammetra Christman help salvage personal belongings from their home at 2040 Westbury St. in the Oakwood East Royale neighborhood. It was their first opportunity to get a look at their home that was destroyed in Thursday's wildfires. in Midwest City Thursday, April 9, 2009. Photo by Jim Beckel, The Oklahoman

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"We don't have a suspect but we are in the process of interviewing potential witnesses," Lojka said. "There were activities in the area at the time the fire was discovered. There were no accidental causes. They have all been eliminated."

Lojka would not elaborate on the manner of the fire's origin.

Lojka was careful to label the fire as intentionally set. He said it is not yet considered arson. An arson is a fire set with malice.

"We haven't proven malice yet," Lojka said.





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