A fire started by the alleged theft of copper wire caused minor damage to a vacant Centralia home Thursday morning.
Centralia Fire Chief Blake Perez says the fire at 13-12 North Sycamore was discovered when a neighbor saw small amount of smoke coming from the home.
Upon arrival, firemen saw a man climbing out a window who refused to stop. He was later located by Centralia Police who questioned him and released him pending further investigation.
Perez says the fire apparently started when the coating was being burned off the wiring spread into the attic. Once the fire was located, it was quickly put out with little damage.
The State Fire Marshal’s office has joined the investigation.
Perez says the home had been purchased by E-F-I to allow room for future expansion.
Firemen enter house on North Sycamore to investigate suspected arson. Photo by Tim Ferguson.
