An investigation is underway after a fire broke out at 260 S. Main St. at the Belford Apartments late Monday night where it was reported juveniles were inside the building.
At about 8:40 p.m., all engines with the Paris Fire Department were dispatched to a structure fire at 260 S. Main St.
According to reports, Engine 1 arrived on the scene of heavy fire coming from the first floor of the vacant building.
Using offensive measures, fire crews made entry to the building shortly after extinguishing the exterior. Engine 3 checked for extensions on the second floor of the building and extinguished them.
Several witnesses reported seeing children in the area, however, nothing official has been confirmed.
“At this time, we are not sure the cause of the fire,” Deputy Chief Randy Crawford said. “There had been reports of kids in the building at some point, but it’s not confirmed if this was the cause.”
Crawford confirmed the building as vacant and unsecured, and the fire is still under investigation.