By Ben Robinson
Staff Reporter

brobinson@thepccourier.com

EASLEY — Easley police are investigating a fire downtown last Friday night as arson.

The fire, at 102 N. First St., was put out by Easley firefighters before it could damage any adjacent buildings.

According to an Easley Police Department incident report, Easley fire chief Butch Womack told officers it appeared the building had been broken into and there were two separate fires inside.

Officers were able to collect possible evidence at the scene after the fire was extinguished, but no charges have been filed yet. The investigation continues.

The portion of the building burned was once home to Roper Motor Company, but is used for storage now.

The building is between Uncle Sam’s Antiques and The Starving Artist Café. Both buildings received some insignificant smoke damage but were otherwise unharmed, according to Womack.

The items damaged were there only for storage so no attempt was made to put a value on the damages, Womack said.