Officials cite arson in Columbia apartment fire

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) — Officials say arson is to blame for a fire that damaged 24 apartments at a Columbia complex earlier this month.

Columbia Fire Chief Aubrey Jenkins said Thursday that the June 12 fire at The Club at Carolina Stadium was deliberately set.

Jenkins released little information about his department’s investigation. But the chief did say that investigators want to talk to a person seen in security footage knocking on doors to alert residents to the fire.

The fire caused about $400,000 in damage. Anyone with information on the person who warned residents is asked to call the City of Columbia’s Fire Marshal’s Office at 803-545-3701.

Anyone who can help with other parts of the fire investigation is asked to call the South Carolina Arson Hotline at 800-92-ARSON.