Three cars set on fire in north Columbia

COLUMBIA — Fire crews found one car completely engulfed in flames and two other vehicles that sustained fire damage in the parking of 1804 Holly Ave. late Sunday night.

At 11:59 p.m., the Columbia Fire Department was called to the address, according to a news release from the department.

At arrival, fire crews found the first car in flames. The two other damaged vehicles were found in different locations of the parking lot away from the main fire.

After investigation, officials identified three additional vehicles that contained evidence suggesting an attempt to set a fire within. Two were found to have ignitable liquid in the passenger compartment, and burned papers were found in the third, said Capt. Eric Hartman of the Fire Department. As of Monday morning, he said officials did not know why the fire attempts were unsuccessful.

No one was injured, and a damage estimate is not yet available, according to the release.

Investigators from the Fire Department determined that the fires were intentionally set. The Columbia Police Department is assisting in the investigation.

The Fire Department is asking anyone with information relating to this case to call Crime Stoppers at 573-875-TIPS (8477).