Arson is suspected in the fire that heavily damaged the birthplace of Bill Clinton early Friday morning.
The William J. Clinton Birthplace building in Hope, Ark. — which is designated as a National Historic Site and managed by the National Parks — caught fire at around 3:30 a.m. Friday morning, according to a report by CBS affiliate KSLA.
“There’s just evidence and signs that we do believe it was intentionally set,” Hope Fire Department Chief Dale Glanton said. “It will be investigated and handled as a potential arson fire.”
In addition to the extensive damage on the outside of the house, there is also smoke and water damage to Clinton’s childhood home. The building was owned by the 42nd president’s grandparents. Clinton — who was born at Julia Chester Hospital in Hope — spent the first four years of his life at the house.
Other buildings on the property, including the National Park headquarters and gift shop were not harmed.
According to Glanton, federal authorities are on their way to Hope to assist local authorities with the investigation.
