EL PASO, TEXAS (KFOX14/CBS4) — The El Paso Fire Department determined that Monday’s fire at a vacant multi-family residence in central El Paso was intentional and has opened a criminal investigation on Wednesday.

According to EPFD, crews were dispatched to a Condition 2 fire in the 1000 block of E. Yandell Drive on Monday morning. Officials said the structure was unoccupied at the time of the fire, and no injuries were reported.

Firefighters had conducted a thorough search of all three levels of the building and confirmed that no victims were inside. Fire investigators were then called to determine the origin and cause.

In a statement emailed to KFOX14/CBS4 on Wednesday, EPFD said the fire is currently classified as intentional, and a criminal case remains open.

A total of 17 units and 41 firefighters were dispatched to the scene. The incident was initially classified as a Condition 2 fire but was later upgraded to a more severe Condition 3 as crews encountered flames spreading across multiple levels, including the first floor, second floor, and attic.

Fire officials noted that the blaze was particularly intense in the attic, which limited access for crews and contributed to the complexity of the operation. In order to better contain the fire, firefighters were forced to cut a hole in the roof to ventilate heat and smoke.

The fire was brought under control in approximately 35 minutes.

Meanwhile, EPFD is also asking the public’s help, urging anyone with information to contact the Fire Marshal’s Office or Crime Stoppers.

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