Campus-area blaze caused by arson, fire officials say

Keren Tully Arizona Summer Wildcat A blaze destroyed Poppy's Pizzeria, 1720 E. Speedway Blvd., Monday morning at 1:56. Tucson fire officials determined that the cause of the fire was arson.

Tucson police and fire officials are searching for leads in an arson investigation surrounding a UA-area restaurant fire early Monday morning.

Fire units responded to Poppy's Pizzeria, 1720 E. Speedway Blvd., at about 2 a.m. after a local convenience store clerk notified authorities.

"The cause of the fire has been determined to be arson," said Capt. Brian Delfs, a Tucson Fire Department spokesman, adding that the eatery was closed and no one was injured in the blaze.

Shattered glass flew 60 to 70 feet from the building, but no evidence of explosives was found in the remains, Delfs said.

"The rapid increase in heat caused the windows to blow out," he said.

Delfs said a convenience store worker contacted officials after a passing motorist stopped at the 7-11 on East Speedway Boulevard and North Campbell Avenue and told the clerk that flames were spewing out of the restaurant.

Sgt. Brett Klein, a Tucson Police Department spokesman, said the cause of the fire is still unknown, but police and fire officials are working together on the investigation.

Klein said the interior of the building was "a total loss."

Evidence has been sent to a lab for analysis to determine if any accelerants were used, Klein said. Accelerants, substances that speed up the spread of the fire, are often connected to arson.

"(Analysts) examine characteristics, patterns and origin of the fire," Klein said.

Klein said anyone with information should contact TPD.