Investigators search for who started Parma Theatre fire

PARMA, Ohio - The Parma Fire Department ruled the cause of last week's fire at the Parma Theatre.

“There was enough evidence to know that it was intentionally set,” said Parma Fire Department spokesman Doug Turner.

Turner said there were “suspicious points of origin,” but couldn’t comment on what caused the fire. He also said there were no leads on a suspect yet.

“I left the door open and had to run out,” said Dorina Fodor, who owns Parma Tailoring and Alterations next to the theater.

Fodor said she heard noises next door on the night of the fire, but assumed it was the manager inside. She added that she didn’t see anything or anyone suspicious.

“You don’t think of bad things like that, especially in this neighborhood,” Fodor said.

Just inside, the theater entrance was in ruins. Fire investigators sifted through the area thatwas covered in black soot and charred top to bottom looking for clues.

“The fire damage is extensive, but the smoke damage is really bad,” Turner said. The total damage is estimated at $750,000.

The Parma Police Department is offering a reward of up to $5,000 to anyone with any information on the case. If you have know anything about the case, please call Parma police at 440-887-7339 or the State Fire Marshall at 1-800-589-2728.