Officials: Fire at Tampa mosque ruled as arson

The fire that occurred at a Tampa mosque earlier this month has been ruled as arson, Tampa Fire Rescue said.

• Fire at Masjid Omar mosque ruled arson
• Investigators initially believed faulty electrical wire caused the fire
• The mosque sustained $25,000 in damage
  

On Aug. 5, a fire damaged the Masjid Omar mosque on Busch Boulevard.

Initially investigators said the fire was likely caused by faulty electrical wires. However, samples taken from the scene tested positive for an accelerant, specifically gasoline, authorities said.  Tampa Fire Rescue released its finding early Saturday morning.

Following the fire, mosque officials told investigators there had been activity outside the rear part of the building the night before.  They also told investigators that they believed someone had poured gas on the air conditioning unit.

Damage to the mosque is estimated at $25,000, authorities said.

A reward of $3,000 is being offered for information leading to an arrest in the case. Anyone with information that could help investigators is asked to call Crime Stoppers of Tampa Bay at 1-800-873-TIPS.