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Cause Of Fire In Fort Collins Could Be Criminal

FORT COLLINS, Colo. (CBS4) - Investigators in Fort Collins are trying to determine if an early morning fire at a business is linked to a break-in at another nearby company.

More than 30 firefighters fought the flames at Signs Now at 1438 Riverside Avenue on Thursday morning. The flames went through the roof and also partially burned a truck parked outside the building.

"The business unfortunately is a total loss, with heavy fire damage throughout the building," said Poudre Fire Authority spokesman Patrick Love.

Once the investigation started, authorities discovered the door to the business had been broken.

Fort Collins Fire
(credit: CBS)

A short time later and just a few blocks away someone broke into Painter's Supply (1626 Riverside Avenue). Because the events happened at approximately the same time, police say they are considering the possibility the incidents are related.

On Thursday night Painter's Supply employees there were still working to board up a broken glass door. Computers and money were stolen, and an employee told CBS4 a company truck was also taken.

So far, there's no word on the cause of the Signs Now fire.

Additional Resources

Fort Collins Police released the following statement about their case:

Anyone with information on suspicious activity in the area between 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 25 and 5:00 a.m. on Thursday, Dec. 26, please call Det. Kyle Bendzsa at 970-221-6577 or Crime Stoppers of Larimer County at 970-221-6868 where you will remain anonymous and possibly be eligible for a cash reward. Crime Stoppers may also be reached through their Web site at www.stopcriminals.org.

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