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| Arsonist hits building for AIDS, HIV patients |
| Other website - 00:00' 26/06/2006 (GMT+7) |
 A fire at a housing complex being built to accommodate displaced people with HIV or AIDS was a case of arson that did little damage Tuesday morning in the Walnut Park neighborhood of St. Louis.
Three sections were set on fire, but only one was still flaming when a construction crew arrived about 6:30 a.m. and put it out. Damage was limited to some plywood and insulation.
It happened just hours before a scheduled news conference to discuss the project, an 18-unit residence for HIV and AIDS patients who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
The news conference went on as planned with Mayor Francis Slay and Alderman Gregory Carter. The building, in the 5800 Block of Harney Avenue, is set to be finished later this year
The fire came as police were investigating three other recent arson cases at buildings under construction, on South Grand Boulevard and Lafayette Square, that caused an estimated $7 million in damage. But there is no indication of a connection. Police and fire officials said Tuesday's fire appeared to be the work of vandals.
"There's no comparison," said Fire Capt. Steve Simpson.
Though it does bear some similarity to the earlier fires - all were started early in the morning in unfinished buildings - the other three were at upscale residential developments. The Grand Boulevard fire was April 27 and the two fire in Lafayette Square were June 14.
Tuesday's fire was at housing sponsored by Doorways, an organization that provides homes for individuals with HIV or AIDS.
Matt Teter, a spokesman for Doorways, said the motive for the fire remained a mystery.
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