MWC official: fire set intentionally

The fire that destroyed 17 homes and damaged many more was intentionally set, Midwest City officials said this afternoon.

Jerry Lojka, Midwest City fire marshal, said investigators have determined the fire was set by an individual at SE 29 and Post Road on Thursday.

“We don’t have a suspect but we are in the process of interviewing potential witnesses,” Lojka said. ‘There were activities in the area at the time the fire was discovered. There were no accidental causes. They have all been eliminated.”

Lojka would not elaborate on the manner of the fire’s origin.

Lojka was careful to label the fire as intentionally set. He said it is not yet considered arson. An arson is a fire set with malice.

“We haven’t proven malice yet,” Lojka said.

- Robert Medley

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