Columbia Music Hall Fire was Intentionally Set

Investigators from the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), the Division of State Fire Marshal, Scioto County Prosecutors Office and the Portsmouth Fire and Police Departments today announced the completion of the on-scene investigation of the Nov. 11, 2007, fire at the Columbia Music Hall.

Special Agent in Charge of the ATF National Response Team (NRT) Jeffrey Fulton, Randy Duncan, Acting Chief of the Portsmouth Fire Department, Mark Kuhn, Scioto County Prosecutor, Charles Horner, Chief of the Portsmouth Police Department and State Fire Marshal Michael Bell announced that the blaze was ruled arson. Specific details will not be released at this time as the follow-up investigation is on-going.

"The team of investigators completed their on-scene investigation today," said State Fire Marshal Michael Bell. "The investigators fully analyzed the evidence gathered at the scene and the information provided in the more than 50 interviews that were conducted."

"This Investigation is another example of what can be achieved when local, state and federal agencies work together," said ATF Columbus Field Division Special Agent in Charge Christopher Sadowski.

Sadowski further committed local ATF special agents to continue the investigation with Portsmouth Police and Fire investigators and the Ohio Division of the State Fire Marshal until the investigation is completed and the individual(s) responsible are brought to justice.

Acting Fire Department Chief Duncan and Police Chief Horner said the ATF NRT and the State Fire Marshal's Office has been a real asset to the investigation. "The resources and assistance by these specialists is greatly appreciated; this comprehensive investigation would not have been able to be conducted without Federal and state support," said Duncan.

ATF's NRT comprises ATF personnel from across the country who responded to the scene to work alongside state and local investigators. The NRT includes a canine team, forensic chemist, cause and origin specialists, electrical and fire protection engineers, and additional specialists. This NRT activation was the third this fiscal year and the 642nd since the 1978 inception of the NRT program.