Fire at Cape Girardeau go cart track was intentionally set, investigators say

Investigators have determined that an early morning fire at Big River Grand Prix go cart track in Cape Girardeau was intentionally set, according to an investigator with the state fire marshal's office.

"There are things about it that warrant further investigation, " said investigator Butch Amann.

An agent with the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms assisted Amann, Cape Girardeau police, and Cape Girardeau fire investigators with the collection of evidence at the scene Tuesday morning.

Among indicators that the fire was suspicious in nature was evidence that the blaze may have originated at more than one spot on the premises, and indication that an accelerant had been used, Amann said.

Firefighters responded to the call just before 4 a.m. Tuesday.

Amann stated he did not believe the incident was related to other suspicious fires that have plagued Cape Girardeau during the past year-and-a-half.

More than 10 suspicious fires have occurred in Cape Girardeau city limits since April 2005.

On April 29, an act of arson at 203 S. Pacific St. claimed the life of 42-year-old George Robinson, a tenant in the building.

The fire at the go cart track occurred under an "entirely different set of circumstances," Amann said.

Cape Girardeau fire investigators estimated about $300,000 worth of damage to the facility.