Longview Blaze Ruled Arson

LONGVIEW � A Wednesday afternoon blaze at a house in the 1700 block of Oden Street in Longview has been ruled arson. Officials ruled the fire �suspicious� after witnesses saw people leaving the scene as the fire ignited. Longview firefighters were dispatched to the blaze at 1:15pm for a reported structure fire that destroyed the home. The house was unoccupied when the fire started. According to Gregg County online records, the residence is owned by Derrick King, 33, who is serving a nine-month sentence in the Gregg County Jail for possession of a controlled substance.

Nearby neighbors said they didn�t know anything about the fire, but called 911 after they heard loud popping and saw flames shooting out of the windows. Longview Fire Chief J.P. Steelman said witnesses at the scene told investigators they saw �unknown subjects� leaving the scene around the time the fire started. Steelman said investigators ruled out all natural causes that could have started the blaze, including an electrical incident and natural gas. Twenty one firefighters, including three fire engines, two fire trucks and one ambulance were called to the scene.

Investigators said the residence suffered heavy smoke damage and said there was significant damage to the bedroom where the fire started. Steelman said there was an estimated $15,000 worth of damage, which is more than the home is worth, according to 2010 tax records. Investigators are conducting interviews to determine how the fire started. The investigation is ongoing.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to contact the Longview Fire Department at 903-237-1119 or submit an anonymous tip to Gregg County Crime Stoppers at 903-237- STOP.