“The fire was caused by an unknown person and investigators have identified this incident as arson until further investigation,” according to Department of Public Safety spokesman PO2 Eric David.
Fire investigators described the buildings as semi-concrete structures.
Based on their investigation, David said the fire started from the southeastern part of one of the two buildings.
“In the building, investigators found a high fuel loading of ordinary combustible materials, which caused an erratic fire behavior that spread the fire west direction consuming the entire structure,” David said.
DPS received a call about the fire behind the former MGM garment factory on Beach Road in Chalan Piao area at about 3:40 p.m. on Tuesday
Police and fire emergency personnel responded to the scene and secured the area, David said.
The fire was brought under control at about 5:18 p.m., he added.
In the fire incident in Chalan Kanoa that spread to Fina Sisu area on April 30, David said investigation revealed that the fire originated about 150 ft. east of the residential and auto shops and rapidly spread due to the thick vegetation and strong winds.
David said DPS received a call at about 1:27 p.m. regarding the grass fire.
Upon arrival of fire engine, David said the fire had already spread east toward the adjacent houses.
Five structures were destroyed by fire, including three auto shops and some vehicles.
One minor injury was reported and the person was transported to the Commonwealth Health Center for further evaluation, David said.
Fire fighters put the fire under control at 5:30 p.m., he added.
