Update: Woman arrested in connection with suspected arson fire at Yuma motel
Blaze displaced more than 10 people
UPDATED: 2:00 p.m.
YUMA, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Yuma police took one person into custody Wednesday afternoon in connection with a suspected arson fire at a Yuma motel.
The Yuma Police Department (YPD) arrested the woman just hours after the blaze broke out at the Fifth Avenue motel.
The Yuma Fire Department (YFD) got called to 5th Avenue and 10th Street just before 7:30 Wednesday morning. Firefighters say they could see a large column of smoke rising from the area. Crews arrived to find heavy smoke and flames coming from the building.
Firefighters found evidence the fire was set deliberately. They called in YPD to investigate. Just hours later, police made an arrest.
The fire severely damaged the motel office, several rooms, and a number of vehicles. Flames didn't spread to any of the occupied rooms, so no one got hurt. However, residents won't be able to return, because the motel has no power. The American Red Cross is helping those displaced due to the fire.
