Investigators: Fire intentionally set

LEIGHTON - Investigators with the state fire marshal's office say a fire that destroyed two homes and heavily damaged another in Leighton on Monday was the work of an arsonist.

One of the houses destroyed was the childhood home of hall of fame soul singer Percy Sledge. He gained fame for the 1966 hit "When a Man Loves a Woman," which earned No. 1 status on numerous recording lists.

The houses were side by side in the 2100 block of Percy Sledge Drive in Leighton.

In addition to Sledge's old home, one was owned by the legendary singer's uncle and the other is owned by Brenda Goode.

The two houses on the Sledge property had been vacant for several years, family members said.

State Fire Marshal Ed Paulk said Tuesday that initial reports indicate the house at 2120 Percy Sledge Drive was the first structure to catch on fire. He said the fire was intentionally set.

"It appears the fire at the other houses spread from the first one," Paulk said.

When members of the Leighton Fire Department arrived, the two vacant wooden-frame houses at 2120 and 2116 Percy Sledge Drive were heavily involved in fire.

A short time later, the third house, which is owned by Goode and was recently renovated, ignited.

The houses were only about 3 feet apart. The fire was reported just before 1:30 a.m. and firefighters returned around 6:30 a.m. when one of the structures rekindled.

Firefighters from White Oak and Brick-Hatton helped Leighton firefighters in battling the fire.

Leighton Police Chief Kenny Wallace said the state fire marshal's office was called in because the origin of the fires was "suspicious."

"We're working closely with the state fire marshal's office on this investigation," Wallace said.

Several samples were taken from the debris and sent to a state forensic lab to be examined in an effort to determine what was used to start the fire. Fire officials said it could be several weeks before the results are available.

Paulk said investigators are looking for anyone who might have information about the fire. They are asked to call the Arson Hotline at (800) 654-0775, the Leighton Police Department at 446-8479 or, Shoals Area CrimeStoppers at 386-8685. They can also leave comments on the Web site aladoi.gov.

Tom Smith can be reached at 740-5757 or tom.smith@timesdaily.com.