Historic Parma Theater Fire Ruled Arson

PARMA, Ohio — Fire investigators now know that the blaze at the historic Parma Theater was intentionally set, the Parma Fire Department announced Monday.

The arson ruling comes a few days after flames tore through the decades-old movie theater, filling the building with heavy smoke, and causing more than $750,000 Friday afternoon.

No one was hurt.

The theater closed on Labor Day, unable to afford the upgrades needed to keep it profitable.  It had been a Parma landmark since the 1930s.

A citizens group is hoping to get a non-profit agency to buy the building and convert the movie house into a community theater, or anything that would keep it alive.

Meanwhile, the investigation into the fire is ongoing. Anyone with information should call Parma Police Detective Klein at (440) 887-7339.

Stick with Fox 8 News and FOX8.com for updates as they become available.

– Fox 8 Anchor Lou Maglio contributed to this report.