Fairfield Police and Fire are investigating a fire at the Seagrape Café as suspected arson after police obtained surveillance video of an accelerant being used to start the blaze.
The small fire, which occurred around 4:45 a.m. near the rear of the bar, was originally believed to be an accident, however, new video evidence has sparked what police and fire officials describe as a “serious investigation” into the incident, according to the Fairfield Daily Voice.
The fire occurred less than a week after a bomb threat for the bar and adjacent Inn at Fairfield Beach was reported to Fairfield’s Department of Public Safety. Police told The Daily Voice that they have yet to rule out the incident as being connected to the bomb threat from the weekend prior.
Fairfield Police Lt. James Perez told the Daily Voice that they do not believe that the crime was committed by a Fairfield University student. Police have also been able to rule out persons recently involved in police incidents at the Seagrape Café involving breach of peace or fighting.
Assistant Fire Chief Christopher Tracey told the Daily Voice that a water flow alarm was received from the Seagrape Café at 4:45 a.m. which prompted the Fairfield Fire Department to respond to the rear of the bar. The fire department was able to extinguish most of the fire in about 20 minutes; Prior to their arrival, the blaze was well managed by the ‘Grape’s sprinkler system.
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