January 22, 2026

East Alabama Daycares Appear Targets of Arsonist

By Rick McCann
Blue RAM Media/Gulf Coast News

January 22, 2025

OPELIKA, Ala. Several law enforcement agencies are now conducting an arson investigation in east Alabama after fires were started at two daycares within a week.

Law enforcement now has said that it appears that accelerants were used in both of those fires.

Firefighters responded to Children Palace Learning Center, located at 116 Columbus Pkwy. in Opelika, after flames broke out at the facility around 11:30 p.m. Monday.
Once the flames were under control, investigators found glass mason jars filled with accelerant at the childcare facility.

Authorities said that no injuries were reported.

This fire comes just days after accelerants were found inside the By His Grace Daycare & Learning Center, which caught fire last Tuesday. Officials said that fire destroyed the interior of the building, though the exterior structure remained standing.

At this time, several law enforcement agencies are investigating these fires as arson and the charges could be elevated to a federal level by the ATF

Authorities said they are working to determine whether both incidents are connected.

Anyone with information regarding the investigation is asked to contact the Opelika Police Department at 334-705-5220 or the Opelika Fire Department at 334-705-5330.