09:23 AM CST on Monday, December 26, 2005

By CHRIS HEINBAUGH / WFAA-TV

Robert Flagg / WFAA-TV

Investigators believe the fire was deliberately set.

ARLINGTON — Volunteers at Mission Arlington were prepared to assess the damage Monday after a Christmas morning fire destroyed part of the downtown Arlington facility at Pecan and South streets.

Firefighters responded to the blaze shortly before 3 a.m. Sunday, battling to save the building that has served the city's less fortunate for nearly 30 years.

Arlington Fire Chief David Stapp said all signs pointed to the work of an arsonist. "There are several signs of forced entry into the building on this particular fire," he said.

The blaze destroyed part of the second floor, and there was serious water damage below.

It was a difficult scene for Mission director Tillie Burgin, the heart and soul behind the organization. "This is a very humbling experience for me," she said. "To see the folks in this community—our firefighters, our police officers, even you—to come together to help us..."

But in the midst of tragedy, Burgin never stopped expressing thanks to God.

No one was hurt and firefighters kept the blaze contained to a limited area.

The fire came just days after the Mission had already distributed thousands of Christmas toys that had been stored inside. That damage was limited to a few teddy bears left behind.

"We've already seen 22,000 people," Burgin said. "They've gotten gifts and toys, so that was good."

Sunday's fire was the second to hit the Mission in less than 24 hours. The first—in a ground floor storage area—burned coats and blankets before firefighters put it out.

Mission director Burgin was sure the public would help them meet the coming need. "I do know it's going to get colder, and so our coats and blacnkets and gloves will be really needed," she said.

E-mail cheinbaugh@wfaa.com