Associated Press - November 20, 2009 3:04 PM ET

PINE BLUFF, Ark. (AP) - Authorities are investigating an apparent arson at a probation office in Pine Bluff.

An alarm went off at about 4 a.m. Tuesday at the office in the Jefferson Square Shopping Center. A police officer found a small fire on the carpet inside of the front door.

The officer was able to use a fire extinguisher to put out the fire through a crack under the door. The area smelled like gasoline and there was a broken bottle on the ground.

Damage was estimated at $$100. The fire didn't spread beyond the patch of carpet.

Authorities are conducting an arson investigation.

Information from: Pine Bluff Commercial, http://www.pbcommercial.com

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