Water park fire probably arson

HOPE MILLS

An exact cause will not be determined until after the holidays. Firefighters originally suspected arson and asked the Cumberland County Sheriff's Office the county Cumberland County Fire Marshal's Office and the State Bureau of Investigation to look into the blaze.

Investigators have combed the site and originally hoped to determine a cause by Christmas.

Processing labs have the evidence but are operating on a holiday schedule, which has slowed down the turnaround time.

Fire Chief Freddy L. Johnson said he requested the help of arson investigators because there were signs of forcible trespass at the scene. Johnson said the fire started in the shower room area of the building.

The park's owners plan to rebuild the 6,600 sq. ft. clubhouse and open the park for the 2009 season.

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