Arson fire ignited at Rosemont Drive building after report of vandalism

Authorities are investigating an arson fire at the former Rosemont Headstart Center on Rosemont Drive, Columbus Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services officials said Thursday.

Firefighters arrived at the 4332 Rosemont Drive building after the fire ignited at 3:55 p.m., said Fire Marshal Ricky Shores. Fires were found in multiple points inside the building.

Police were called to building to investigate a report of vandalism by juveniles before the fire started. Shores said fire investigators and police will work together on the arson fire. “We work together all the time,” he said.

Firefighters were able to control the blaze that burned into the attic of the building. Investigators remain on the scene of the fire.

Shores said no damage estimate was available on the fire.

The building is owned by the Muscogee County School District. Marquitta Williams, development coordinator, said the Enrichment Services Program is no longer occupied in the facility and has not since 2013. “Our staff and children are safe,” she said.

This story was originally published April 21, 2016 at 6:29 PM with the headline "Arson fire ignited at Rosemont Drive building after report of vandalism."