Apartment Fire Now Investigated as Arson

By: Rowena Li - Email

Updated: Tue 10:57 PM, Sep 04, 2012

Days after a fire, black tar can still be seen in the basement.

Resident Brent Robison recounts the terrifying incident.

"The fire alarm went off, my smoke alarm went off, we ran and screamed down the stairs, people running, because the whole building was filled with smoke," says Robison.

It happened Saturday afternoon at the apartment building at 324 W. Koenig Street that was formerly known as the Diplomat Hotel.

"We were outside for a very long time and we were finally cleared to come back in. My door was open, I did have smoke damage to some of my clothes," Robison says.

Investigators believe this wasn't just any fire, it's arson. The case is now in the hands of the Grand Island Police Department. GIPD investigator Jeff McConnell said that they are treating the fire as arson because couch cushions were set on fire. Police have no suspects yet.

Robison and others who live in the building say investigators haven't told them anything yet.

"No one was injured, so...I don't have much more than that, I mean they're still investigating," says Robison.

The owner of the building declined to provide any comments, but did send crews to clean up and fix the damage.