Fort Wayne authorities believe downtown fire was intentional

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About 30 people escaped unhurt Tuesday from a fire that investigators believe was intentionally set at a downtown building.

The Fort Wayne Fire Department responded at about 6:18 p.m. to 614 S. Harrison St., the location of Founders, a business incubator for young entrepreneurs. On arrival, crews found smoke in the ground level and fire in the second floor, the department said in a news release.

Firefighters quickly extinguished the flames, which had been contained by a sprinkler system, the news release said.

The Founders opened in the early 20th-century brick building -- known as the Randall Building -- earlier this year as a sort of idea lab for young entrepreneurs, providing a space for collaboration. A Carmel-based developer also wants to turn the building's upper floors into 44 apartments.

According to the news release, investigators determined that the blaze had been set intentionally. Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call Crime Stoppers at 436-STOP (436-7867).