Two adults and two children were barely able to escape from their burning home Saturday morning. Now investigators believe the fire was intentionally set.
The Smithfield and Selma Fire Departments were dispatched at 12:23am to a house fire at 801 West Street in Smithfield. Crews arrived and found flames coming from the house. The blaze was quickly extinguished however, the four occupants lost most of their belongings.
On Monday, Assistant Johnston County Fire Marshal B. Wallace told WTSB News the fire has been ruled as arson. Wallace said a smoke detector alerted the family to the fire allowing them to escape.
Smithfield Police Captain R.K. Powell said the blaze was intentionally set on both the front and back porches of the home. As of Monday, police said they had no suspects in the case.
Damage to the home and contents was estimated at $50,000.
The family is currently being assisted by the Red Cross.
Anyone with information about the suspicious fire is asked to contact Smithfield Police at 919-934-2121. Photos by JoCoFire.com
