Fire Marshal Investigating ‘Suspicious’ Fire

— The Fayetteville Fire Marshal’s Office is investigating the circumstances surrounding a late-night porch fire Thursday.

Firefighters responded at 11:12 p.m. to 117 E. Ninth St. after witnesses reported a porch engulfed in flames.

The blaze was under control within about an hour, but the porch, along with a front portion of the home, sustained fire damage.

According to a 911 dispatch call, the owner of the home is Maxine Gangstad. She told police she had recently forced the tenants to move out because they were three months late on rent. The house was vacant when the fire ignited, and no injuries were reported.

Fayetteville Battalion Chief Bud Thompson said he didn’t know if any suspects had been identified, but that the fire is being investigated by the Fayetteville Fire Marshal’s Office.

“It was suspicious because it started on a couch that was on the front porch,” he said.

Those with any information regarding the incident can contact the Fayetteville Police Department at 587-3555.

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