Arson Suspected on Capitol Avenue

Menlo Park firefighters suspect arson at one of their own properties early this morning, Fire Chief Harold Schapelhouman said.

East Palo Alto police spotted the one-alarm fire shortly after midnight this morning at an abandoned house at 2293 Capitol Ave., which the Menlo Park Protection Fire District purchased as part of a long-term plan to expand one of their fire stations, Schapelhouman said.

No one was injured in the fire and the flames were under control within 20 minutes, Schapelhouman said.

The building was vacant and scheduled to be demolished later this year, he said.

All utilities had been shut off which led firefighters to suspect arson, Schapelhouman said.

The investigation into the blaze is ongoing.

--Bay City News