Papa John’s fire probed as arson

AUSTINTOWN — The Austintown Fire Department is investigating as a possible arson the Feb. 2 fire at Papa John’s Pizza in the Teri Mar Plaza on South Raccoon Road.

Dave Schertzer, a fire investigator with the department, said it appears that an accelerant was used in the restaurant to start the 3:30 a.m. fire.

When firefighters arrived at the plaza, the fire was burning in the front counter area of the restaurant.

The fire produced a great deal of smoke, but the fire was extinguished quickly. Heat in the walls and ceiling of the building remained hot throughout that day. The plaza had water and smoke damage throughout.

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