By Billy Davis

A house fire on Noble Street in Batesville appears to have been intentionally set, a fire inspector said this week.

Batesville police, meanwhile, are investigating if the house fire was related to street gang activity.

Batesville police would not confirm they suspect the fire was a gang-related incident.

 “No comment,” said Detective Paul Shivers. “It’s still early in the investigation.”
BPD Deputy Chief Don Province also said the police department could not comment, citing the investigation.

A fire investigation of the home showed four fires were set in three bedrooms and the kitchen, said Brett Childs, fire inspector for the Batesville Fire Department.

“The fire in one of the bedrooms caught,” Childs said, while several others died out.

The brick home, located at 218 Noble, survived the blaze but appeared heavily damaged by smoke.

No one was hurt in the house fire, though officials have said an occupant was later hurt in an automobile accident and transported to The Med.

Authorities would not release the names of the occupants.

The home is a rental property owned by Ralph Doxey Sr. of Holly Springs according to county tax receipts.

Doxey confirmed Thursday he is the landlord of the property, when The Panolian contacted him.