[12/21/04]The investigator for two fires that may have been arson said this morning that the blazes could be connected.

Evidence collected from fires at McRaven tour home, 1445 Harrison St., Saturday night, and Rusty’s Riverfront Grill, 615 Crawford St., early Monday morning, has been sent to the crime lab in Jackson, said Leslie Decareaux, arson investigator for the Vicksburg Fire Department.

Both fires started on outside porches at night in areas not easily seen, and a link is possible.

“I haven’t ruled that out yet,” Decareaux said. But, “the information I’ve got right now I don’t have the proof to show that” they are connected.

Both buildings are in the downtown area, but more than a mile apart.

Fire Chief Keith Rogers said Monday that arson was almost certain in the blaze that destroyed the ceiling and attic at the restaurant. There was nothing near the place the fire started, such as a heater or wiring, that could have started it.

He said that the fire at McRaven, one of the city’s oldest homes, likely began under the porch in a storage area where some flammables were stored, but again could not point to an igniter.

Damage to the home, portions of which date to 1797, was mostly on the porch. The fire did not reach the numerous antiques and paintings inside.

Rusty’s owner Rusty Larsen could not be contacted to say whether the restaurant would be reopened.

Decareaux said investigators would be working closely with the police department, but would not say what other evidence points to arson.

“We don’t want to give away everything. We want to keep some things close,” she said.

A separate fire was reported Monday afternoon, but was accidental.

The call to Magnolia Manor Apartments, 3515 Manor Drive, a senior citizen apartment complex, came in around 5:26 p.m. Residents there said the blaze started on a stovetop, said Deputy Fire Chief Rose Shaifer.

Residents were evacuated to the first floor of the complex, and the fire was reported out after a few minutes, she said. No injuries were reported.