Pine Bluff vacant Pines Mall fire under investigation for possible arson

A late-night fire at the vacant Pines Mall in Pine Bluff is under investigation for possible arson, Fire Chief Randy Compton said. There is no ignition source inside the building, so it would have to be a human factor, Compton told reporters.

Firefighters were called to the mall around 10:50 p.m. Thursday and found flames burning inside the former Stage store, Compton said.

Crews attacked the fire from both inside and outside the building. A ladder truck was used to keep the flames from spreading.

Firefighters contained the fire largely to the former Stage store. The store had been used as a storage area and contained large amounts of books, magazines and other combustible materials, Compton said.

The official cause remains under investigation. Compton said people have continued finding ways into the vacant mall despite efforts to secure and board up the property.

Firefighters and police have been monitoring the building because of concerns about people entering the property, including those looking for a place to sleep, Compton said.

Those concerns are increasing as temperatures begin to cool. People may attempt to start fires inside the building for warmth, Compton said.

This is a nuisance because it puts our firefighters in danger. We prefer not to have any fires, and we really don’t want fires that are started or considered to be arson fires.

Compton said property owners have repeatedly been urged to keep the building secured. People continue finding ways inside, he said.

No injuries were reported in the fire. Officials said the flames did not significantly spread beyond the former Stage store.

Smoke reaches nearby hotel

The fire caused problems next door at the Holiday Inn. Assistant Manager Kattie Jordan said smoke from the mall reached the hotel and triggered its fire alarms, prompting guests to leave their rooms.

Jordan said she was staying at the hotel Thursday night when a friend called to tell her the mall was on fire. Hotel staff were initially told by firefighters that the hotel was safe, but the fire alarm later sounded because of smoke coming from the mall.

We got the guests all straight, because the guests were coming out and worried about what was going on, so we assured them that everything was ok.

The condition of the vacant mall has also become an ongoing concern for the hotel, Jordan said.

This mall altogether really gives us a bad name. We have a really decent hotel, but the reviews is actually about the mall.

Jordan said she has seen people going in and out of the property. She worries about what could happen as colder weather arrives.

Officials seek tips

Compton is asking anyone who sees suspicious activity in or around the Pines Mall to contact the Pine Bluff Police Department or Pine Bluff Fire Department.

Pine Bluff sits about 45 miles southeast of Little Rock in Jefferson County. The Pine Bluff Fire Department responds to fires, medical calls and other emergencies within the city. An arson investigation typically includes fire marshals, police and insurance investigators reviewing the scene and any evidence.