Fire that Destroyed Mississippi Furniture Plant Ruled Arson

Investigators say a fire at a northeast Mississippi furniture plant last month was arson.

Pontotoc Police Chief Randy Tutor told local news outlets that officers worked with the state Fire Marshal and the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms to reach the determination.

No arrests had been made as of press time. The owners of Washington Furniture and the state are offering a $15,000 reward for information.

Plant owner Lyle Harris says two-thirds of the company’s facilities in Pontotoc were destroyed, but he adds the company is converting an undamaged warehouse with the goal of restarting production within three weeks.

The company, owned by Behold Home of Smithville, has promised that its more than 400 workers won’t miss a paycheck.