Update: Police investigating Fargo apartment fire believed to be arson

FARGO (KVRR) – The owner of a south Fargo apartment building where fire broke out late Wednesday says believes the fire was  intentionally set, and now police are investigating.

Shortly after 11:00 p.m. Wednesday, firefighters were called to a blaze on the second floor at 1444 32nd St. S.

“Well last night somebody broke into the 208 apartment and then a couple minutes later actually about the time the police were coming the apartment was on fire,” said owner John Lynn.

Police say a preliminary investigation determined the fire was intentionally set. Investigators also determined the fire was related to the burglary report.

Most tenants were evacuated from the building. The person who lives in the apartment that burned wasn’t home at the time.

“He’s at least a 15 year veteran at the apartment building, he’s a great tenant. We’re going to put him in another apartment for a couple of days and then we will see what he wants to do after that,” Lynn said.

Lynn has owned the apartment building for 15 years and has been renovating it over the years. He said that hopefully they can clean up the place in the next few months.

“Everybody is living in their apartments except for two of them present. This one is burned out and the one below has water damage but I think in a few months it should all be back to normal I think or hopefully.”

The Fargo Fire Marshal is also investigating the fire. So far, no arrests have been made.