News 8 Austin and other outlets are
reporting that unnamed Austin Fire Department "officials" are saying that the fire that damaged KOOP's studios this weekend was caused by arson. KOOP leaders have cautioned that AFD has not given them any official ruling, and encouraged supporters to wait for a final determination. Whatever the fire's cause, the station remains off the air indefinitely.
KOOP (pronounced co-op) is Austin's community radio station. Its mission is to provide an alternative voice for underserved elements of the community. It's a non-profit organization largely run by volunteers. It has been on the air for thirteen years.
Two years ago, a pair of fires destroyed KOOP's studios on Fifth Street. The station was back on the air quickly, broadcasting from the KMFA studios on Lamar for a while before settling in at their new digs on Airport Boulevard in late 2006.
The non-commercial station is dependent on its volunteers and on community support. Stay tuned for more on the station's rebuilding efforts.
