The Alabama State Fire Marshal’s Office is conducting a criminal investigation into the fire at Newton Tire after finding information leading them to believe the blaze was arson.

A fire erupted around 2 a.m. Tuesday, Dec. 18 leaving little of the Highway 80 business.

State Fire Marshal Ed Paulk said if anyone has any information on the fire, they are encouraged to call the arson hotline at 1-800-654-0775 or submit information on the state fire marshal’s website. All information submitted will remain anonymous.

The Demopolis Fire Department is continuing to work with the State Fire Marshal in investigating the blaze.

The tire shop, located about 35 feet from the Econo Lodge, did not damage the neighboring business.

There were no injuries and Fire Chief Tommy Tate commended his department’s work in putting out the fire.

“The Fire Marshal is still looking at the building and talking to witnesses,” Tate said.

The Demopolis Police Department is also working with the investigation.