South Alabama lounge owner claims destructive fire was caused by arson

HOUSTON COUNTY, Ala. (WDHN) — The cause of an early Tuesday morning fire that destroyed a Western Houston County bar and lounge is under investigation.

Sometime before 6:00 a.m., Houston County Office deputies and units from three local fire departments responded to a fire at the River Lounge at 3042 Highway 92 in Daleville.

The bar’s owner Donald Rice arrived on the scene shortly after emergency units. He says investigators have ruled out electrical issues as the cause of the fire, which he believes was intentionally set.

While photos show minimal damage to the building’s exterior, the owner said the inside is a total loss. The fire was believed to have started somewhere inside the bar and quickly spread.

Rice said this fire put three bartenders out of a job. The cause of the fire is still under investigation by the Houston County Sheriff’s Office.

Stay with WDHN for updates.

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