Fire officials suspect arson in Crystal River pet store fire

No people were injured in the fire, and investigators don't have any suspects.

By BILL VARIAN

© St. Petersburg Times, published June 8, 2000

CRYSTAL RIVER -- A fire that investigators believe was deliberately set destroyed the inside of a pet supply business in the 44 East Plaza early Wednesday, just days before its owners planned to open in a new location across the street.

An aquarium full of "feeder rats" aimed for sale to pet snake owners died in the blaze at the Absolutely Pets, formerly Pepino's Pet Palace. Other animals, including birds and a red-tailed boa constrictor, had already been moved to the new store location in the Ashley Plaza or were being housed with friends.

Susan Mather, who bought the store with her husband in September, said she had no idea who would have wanted to destroy her business.

No people were injured in the fire, which was reported shortly after midnight Tuesday. The blaze was confined to Absolutely Pets, which was the storefront farthest from the road in the 44 East Plaza, located on the south side of State Road 44 just west of County Road 486. A fire wall kept the fire from spreading to an adjacent martial arts business, said strip mall owner Anthony Marino, though the business did sustain some smoke damage.

"I don't know what the hell happened there," Marino said. "It's very surprising to me."

The State Fire Marshal's office is investigating the fire as an arson and is offering a $2,500 reward for information, according to a sign outside the building. An attempt to reach the investigator Wednesday was unsuccessful.

A Citrus County Sheriff's Office report indicates a rear door had pry marks on it and was open when firefighters arrived.

Mather had left the store last about 7 p.m. Tuesday. She said investigators told her they believe someone pried open the door some time afterward and ignited some sort of flammable material.

She did not have a damage estimate yet, but said the fire destroyed everything inside, including appliances, business equipment, pet supplies and food.

Absolutely Pets offers grooming for dogs and sell pet supplies, though Mather said she sold a few small animals, including birds. The grooming equipment had already been moved to the new store location, which had a planned grand opening Saturday.

Mather said the grand opening would be postponed.

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