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Tempe officials: Arson caused fatal fire
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Tempe police and firefighters investigate an explosion at 625 S. Smith Road that killed a man on Monday morning.
Tim Hacker, Tribune
A fire that killed a Tempe business owner at an industrial complex was deliberately set, according to authorities.
SLIDESHOW: View images from explosion scene
Tempe Fire Department spokesman Mike Reichling said gasoline was found inside the building near McClintock and University drives, where the blaze erupted at about 6 a.m. Monday.
When emergency crews arrived at 625 S. Smith Road, they found the victim inside a Chrysler four-door sedan that had been backed into the building.
The man died hours later at the Arizona Burn Center at Maricopa Medical Center.
The fire had been set behind the car, Reichling said.
The victim was the owner of the business, Red Rock Foods, which provides beverage services to cafes and restaurants.
Authorities have not yet released his name.
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