GRAND RAPIDS TOWNSHIP, Mich. — A fire that damaged a grocery store, charity thrift store and a discount chain Thursday morning has been ruled as arson by investigators.
The fire started Thursday morning at about 4:00 a.m. outside of Ken's Fruit Market on Plainfield Avenue. The fire was contained to the exterior of the grocery store. However, the grocery store, Africa's Child thrift store and Big Lots suffered smoke and water damage.
Investigators say the fire started in some straw bales outside the store and spread to an overhanging awning.
Friday afternoon, the Grand Rapids Township Fire Investigator determined the cause of the fire to be arson.
Anyone with information about the fire should call 616-855-5810 or Silent Observer at 616-774-2345 or the Arson Tip Line at 1-800-44-ARSON. A reward of up to $5,000 may be available for information leading to an arrest.
Big Lots told FOX 17 the store would be closed until at least next Tuesday.
