Arson suspected in Cedar Rapids apartment fire

Investigators suspect arson as the cause of an apartment fire in Cedar Rapids on Tuesday.

Officials believe someone intentionally started a fire Tuesday morning inside the six-unit apartment building at 909 28th St. SE, according to Fire Department spokesman Greg Buelow. Eight people, including a baby, were inside the building when fire broke out, but no one was hurt.

Firefighters said the fire damaged a mattress and box springs in apartment No. 2. Jerome Strong, 19, was the last known tenant of the unit but was not at the scene when crews arrived, authorities said. Buelow said he was unsure if Strong had been interviewed.

Smoke damaged other apartments in the complex, but the fire was extinguished before it could spread to other units, Buelow said.

Details about the evidence that led to the arson designation have not been released.

No arrests have been made in the case. An investigation was continuing.