Fire Chief: Arson Suspected In Center Point Fires

CENTER POINT, AL - Two early morning fores Thursday in Center Point might have been started intentionally, according to investigators. The fires, which broke out between 3:30 a.m. and 4:30 a.m., were contained and did not cause injuries.

A report by Alabama Media Group said the first fire was at 211 Polly Reed Road, irefighters responded to the vacant house and found it fully involved. Center Point Fire Chief Donnie West said there were no utilities at the house, which leads them to believe someone intentionally set the fire. A second nearby home - 1709 2nd Street N.E. - was ablaze an hour later. A family of four was inside the second home but able to escape unharmed. One of the residents said her fire alarm did not sound, but she woke up when something startled her and then smelled smoke.

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There have been several other fires in recent weeks at vacant homes in the area. All of the fires remain under investigation by Center Point Fire and the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office as authorities try to determine whether any or all of them are linked.

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