An early morning fire at a Starkville apartment complex left several units damaged and law enforcement investigating a potential arson case.
Lt. Brett Watson of the Oktibbeha County Sheriff’s Office told the SDN on Monday the fire was being investigated as a possible arson by the sheriff’s office and Mississippi State Fire Marshal's office.
Oktibbeha County Fire Services Coordinator Kirk Rosenhan said a call was received at approximately 5:28 a.m. Monday morning for a fire alarm at 21 Apartments on Ace Avenue.
The fire occurred in building 4 of the complex.
When emergency personnel arrived on the scene, they found an unoccupied third floor apartment filled with smoke. Upon further inspection, fire officials determined that a mattress had been set on fire, setting off the unit’s sprinkler system.
Rosenhan said there was minimal fire damage in the unit and building, but considerable water damage in the units below where the fire occurred.
Management at 21 Apartments declined to comment on the fire.