The Perryville Fire Department responded to a blaze early Tuesday morning that destroyed a garage and damaged two houses.
The fire began just before 2 a.m on Tuesday, June 23 at a residence on highway 61 just outside the Perryville city limit.
According to the renter of the house the garage belonged to, eight cats were killed in the fire but no other injuries occurred. The renter, who wished to remain anonymous, said he believes the fire was set intentionally and was an act of violence.
He said he was awoken at approximately 1:30 a.m by an intruder that he believes then set the fire.
The garage was destroyed, the two houses on either side of the garage suffered melted siding but no other damage.
According to assistant fire chief Jeremy Mantz, the fire was brought under control within 20 minutes. Missouri State Fire Investigator was called to the scene to determine the cause. The fire is still under investigation and a cause has not yet been officially determined.
