Police Say Day Care Fire "Intentionally Set"

A prliminary investigation into Monday's fire at a local day care center "indicates that the blaze was intentionally set," according to Police Chief Glen Allen.

Other details of the early-morning fire are not being released since a criminal investigation is underway, he said.

"Specific findings of the investigators are being withheld as this is an ongoing and active criminal investigation," the Chief said. "Further information may be released at a later time if appropriate."

The fire, which destroyed the building just two months before it was slated to open, is just the latest in a strng of suspicious fires in the area that have been under investigation for the last few months. Clayton police and fire officials are are being assisted in their investigation by the State Bureau of Investigation and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms.

Monday's fire destroyed the 14,000-sq.ft Building Blocks Child Care and Development Center which was under construction on Hawkesburg Drive near the new Powhatan Elementary School. The blaze, which was reported at 3:52 am, attracted firefighters from Clayton, Wilson's Mills and Garner.

Police are asking residents to report any suspicious activity in the area by calling the Department at 919-553-4611 or anonymously on the CrimeStoppers hotline at 919-359-8479. Recently, CrimeStoppers helped police solve a vandalism case that delayed construction of the new Clayton Community Center, which has its Grand Opening Sunday.