Third Fire at Sturbridge Shopping Center, Arson Suspected

For the 3rd Monday in a row, fire breaks out at the Sturbridge Center in Little Rock. Investigators say the only person on the scene when the fire started was one of the co-owners of Camera Mart. He is in critical condition as of Monday evening. Firefighters say the man they found there, 51-year old Kenneth Dolan, smelled of gasoline and had birthday candles in his pocket. His truck was also parked in the back with blood on it. Those who know Dolan say it`s too early to jump to conclusions. The flames broke out before 4:00 at the center on Rodney Parham. Firefighters say when they got there, a man approached the fire engine. "he came up to our vehicle, he was against the door and the driver asked him to step back so she could get out," explained Sammy Baker, LR Fire Marshal. Dolan is the co-owner of Camera Mart, the business with the most damage. He reportedly told firefighters he went inside and then there was some kind of explosion. They`re now investigating his story. "I think there were some unfair insinuations, nobody knows who started this fire. It`s easy to point fingers," said Kevin Melton, a nearby business owner. This is the third Monday in a row firefighters have been called to this location. A small fire and a gas leak were previously reported, but caused little damage. This Monday`s fire was much worse, spreading smoke through the entire shopping center. Now that the fire`s out, attention turns to Dolan, the man recovering from extensive burns. Other business owners in the center are being forced to move because of smoke and water damage. Firefighters are fairly certain this is arson, but have not filed charges.