Department of Public Safety spokeswoman Lei Ogumoro said investigators have classified the incident as arson-related.
DPS received a report at 3:34 a.m. on March 14 that a building located north of Saipan Ice Company in Tanapag was burning.
Ogumoro said units were immediately dispatched to the area.
According to fire investigators, a big portion of the two-story white building owned by a 46-year-old Korean citizen received the most damage.
“The second floor of the building, which was made of wood, collapsed and was immediately consumed in the blaze,” Ogumoro said.
She said more than half of the building was already engulfed in flames when firefighters arrived.
She said the exterior of the building was still intact but with smoke and fire damage to the concrete wall and metal roof.
The fire was fully extinguished by 7 a.m.
Ogumoro said there were no reported injuries.
“This case is pending further investigation. Investigators have, however, classified this case as arson related,” she said.
Members of the community to are requested to help police apprehend the perpetrators by calling the Crime Stoppers Hotline at 234-7272 if they have any information about the crime. All calls are kept anonymous and caller ID is not used.
A reward of up to $1,000 will be provided for any information leading to an arrest.
