Arson Suspect Arrested In Solano Event-Center Torching

VACAVILLE, CA – A Vacaville man was arrested in connection with a "suspicious" fire Sunday at the Mission on the Hill event center in Vacaville, police said.

Terry Smith, 45, allegedly was identified from surveillance videos at the business and was booked in the Solano County Jail on suspicion of arson, the Vacaville Police Department said, adding that the investigation was handled by the Vacaville Fire Department and the Solano County Fire Investigation's Unit.

The 5 a.m. fire destroyed part of the interior of the events center at 1300 E. Monte Vista Ave. and caused heavy smoke damage in the rest of the building, Vacaville Deputy Fire Chief Alan Hartford said.

Hartford said the fire started inside and spread to a gazebo outside, and it appeared the fire was smoldering for some time before flames were visible outside.

The Mission on the Hill site hosts wedding receptions, parties, rehearsal dinners and ceremonies.

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--Bay City News contributed to this post/Image via Vacaville PD