Compton Fire believed to be Intentional

CNS--A non-injury fire broke out at Dino's Auto and Muffler Shop in Compton early last week and the shop's owner believes it may have been intentionally set, authorities said. Compton firefighters responded to the structure fire at 626 West Rosecrans Ave. around 2:35 a.m September 18 and took roughly 15 minutes to knock down the blaze, Compton Fire Department Battalion Chief Anthony Adams told an On Scene Video camera crew. The shop's owner told firefighters that he believed the fire was linked to a confrontation he had with a customer on Wednesday, Adams said.

The customer is believed to be a friend of a man whom authorities arrested on Wednesday for allegedly breaking into the shop about a year ago, said Richard Maldonado, a 12-year employee of the shop who also lives near the business. Adams said an arson unit was en route to investigate the cause of the blaze, which the owner believes was sparked by something thrown inside. There was heavy water and smoke damage throughout the structure, including to vehicles inside, On Scene reported. Anyone with information on the fire was asked to call the sheriff's Compton Station at (310) 605-6500.

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