Arson suspected in fire at Clinton’s early childhood home

Clinton lived in the home as a child before moving to Hot Springs.

Officials suspect arsonists are behind a fire that caused heavy damages to former President Bill Clinton’s birthplace early Christmas morning. “It smelled like gasoline”, Hope Police Chief J.R. Wilson told NBC News.

The FBI has been notified of the suspected arson, and the National Park Service is helping to investigate.

Fire broke out at the William J. Clinton Birthplace, designated as a National Historic Site, around 3:20 a.m. Friday, according to police. KSLA reports firefighters discovered “evidence” that the fire could be intentional.

Then U.S. President Bill Clinton holds an umbrella in a freezing rain as he departs from the 72-year-old house where he was born in Hope, Arkansas, after a dedication ceremony on March 12, 1999. They were able to douse the flames in a matter of minutes.

Wilson described the damage as minimal.

Two other buildings on the property, a National Parks building and gift shop were not damaged.

“This is a very important structure and house inside the city of Hope”, said Glanton.

The home in Hope, Arkansas has turned into a museum featuring the nation’s 42nd president.

Glanton says federal authorities are on their way to Hope to assist local authorities with the investigation.

Clinton’s grandparents owned the home.