Molotov Cocktails Caused Florida Warehouse Fire

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. --

Arson investigators say the fire at a 10,000-square-foot aluminum recycling warehouse overnight was started by multiple flaming bottles thrown into the building.

Firefighters got the call about 2:30 a.m. that Scrap Aluminum Processor at 5042 West Beaver Street was on fire. Before they could get the fire out, the building's 30-foot-high roof collapsed.

Beaver Street near Cassat Avenue was closed until the fire was under control, but reopened to traffic before Friday's rush hour.

Firefighters quickly determined that the fire was intentional.

"We have found several incendiary devices," state Fire Marshal's Office investigator Robby Stephens said. "Molotov cocktails were used. Several were thrown against the building, which actually caused the fire."

Jacksonville Fire-Rescue Division investigators estimated damage to the building at between $200,000 and $250,000.

A neighboring business in the same building was not damaged, which firefighters credit to a strong firewall.

"I think that saved our building completely," business owner Mary Combs said. "I think if we hadn't of had that, we wouldn't have a building left."

Arson investigators have obtained surveillance video from the area and are gathering other evidence in the case. They ask anyone with information that could help to call the state arson hotline at 877-NO-ARSON.