Officials: Early morning house fire appears 'suspicious’

JONESBORO, AR (KAIT) - Calling it “suspicious,” Jonesboro fire officials want to know why a vacant house without electricity or other utilities went up in flames.

Around 4:50 a.m. Jonesboro firefighters responded to a house fire on Gant Street, just off Kitchen, according to Jonesboro E-911 Dispatch.

Jonesboro fire crews battle house fire on Gant Street just off Church Street. #GMR8 @Region8News @DestinyQuinnTV @TiffanyNeelyTV @BryanAMcCormick pic.twitter.com/J1iDAOM1dU
— Adam Jones (@AJonesKAIT) May 3, 2019

First responders at the scene confirmed heavy smoke coming from the building.

The fire caused significant damage to the home; however, officials tell us the house was empty.

Just spoke with Jonesboro fire crews and they say the home was empty at the time of the fire here on Gant Street in. Cause is still being investigated. #GMR8 @Region8News @DestinyQuinnTV @TiffanyNeelyTV @BryanAMcCormick pic.twitter.com/j2KWCf74qm
— Adam Jones (@AJonesKAIT) May 3, 2019

They haven’t released any other details.

Region 8 News has a crew at the scene and will have a live report at 6 on Good Morning Region 8.

Just spoke with Battalion Chief Tim Rowell and he says the home didn’t have utilities or electricity and that it seems suspicious. #GMR8 @Region8News pic.twitter.com/uU3Wxqsko0
— Adam Jones (@AJonesKAIT) May 3, 2019