A New Year's morning fire that forced the evacuation of a dozen people from a Central Hillside apartment complex has been ruled an arson.
One apartment at 411 N. First Ave. W. was gutted and residents of four other apartments were evacuated. One person was helped out by firefighters, but most got out on their own.
Deputy Fire Marshal Ken Goossen said evidence retrieved at the scene led him to conclude the fire was intentionally set. He declined to elaborate on the evidence. "We're still looking at it, but it was definitely arson," he said.
Duluth police Arson Investigator Jim Christensen said interviews have to be conducted and evidence samples have to be analyzed before he can comment on how the fire was started.
"It's still under investigation," Christensen said. "I have to talk to tenants and try to piece it together from there."
