An overnight house fire in northeast Oklahoma City that tore through the front of a single-family home is now under investigation as suspicious, according to police.
Firefighters and officers were called just before 3 a.m. Wednesday to the home near NE 16th Street and NE Grand Boulevard, east of I-35. Crews were able to get the flames under control, but the blaze left heavy damage concentrated at the front of the house. Authorities have not said whether anyone was inside when the fire started.
As reported by KFOR, Oklahoma City police said the fire "appears to be 'suspicious in origin'" and that a perimeter was set up while crews searched the area for a possible suspect. A K-9 unit was brought in to assist as investigators worked the scene, the station noted.
Search for a suspect
Officers and fire crews canvassed the neighborhood, using a K-9 to check nearby yards and alleys, according to KFOR. Police have not released any additional information about a suspect, and no arrests had been reported as of Wednesday morning.
How investigators proceed
The City of Oklahoma City's Fire Investigation Unit handles suspicious or unlawful fires and is tasked with determining where and how a fire started, collecting evidence and interviewing witnesses before referring cases to prosecutors when appropriate, per the City of Oklahoma City. That page also lists an arson hotline at 405-23-ARSON, for tips that could help investigators.
Residents with information are advised to call 911 for emergencies or the police non-emergency line at (405) 231-2121. Crime Stoppers tips can be submitted at (405) 235-7300.
