Intentional fires set in downtown building

UPDATED 11 A.M.**

Poplar Bluff firefighters responded early Wednesday to a walk-in report at Station No. 1 of smoke showing from 201-205 Main St. After making entry into the northwest corner of the building, the fire was quickly extinguished.

According to Fire Chief Ralph Stucker, it appears two separate fires were intentionally set inside the building. One burned out on its own, while the other, with copper wiring and clothing, was put out by firefighters.

Individuals with the fire marshal's office and city police department are investigating.

Poplar Bluff firefighters responded to a report of smoke coming from a condemned building in the 200 block of South Main Street early Wednesday, but quickly extinguished the fire.DAR/Paul Davis

Fire department personnel have cleared the scene and it will be secured by members of the street department, officials say.

The same building, owned by Dianna Denton Buhler, was condemned on Jan. 14 and boarded up by city officials. At the time, more than two dozen people were living illegally inside the building, which wasn't permitted as living quarters.

Poplar Bluff Fire Capt. Blaine Murrell (right) and Firefighter Brad Jones plan their attack on a small fire which erupted inside the condemned building at 201-205 South Main St. Wednesday morning.DAR/Paul Davis