Two Opelika Daycares Set Ablaze In One Week

In the quiet city of Opelika, Alabama, a sense of unease has taken hold after two daycare centers were set ablaze just six days apart. The first fire, which broke out in the early morning hours of January 13, 2026, at By His Grace Daycare & Learning Center on South Six Street, was followed by a second, eerily similar incident late on January 19 at Children Palace Learning Center on Columbus Parkway. No injuries were reported in either case, but the circumstances surrounding both fires have left parents, staff, and the wider community deeply unsettled.

According to WTVM, fire crews were dispatched to Children Palace Learning Center at approximately 11:30 p.m. on January 19. The flames were quickly brought under control, but the discovery that awaited investigators was anything but routine. Glass mason jars filled with accelerant were found at the scene—an unsettling echo of what had been found just days earlier at By His Grace Daycare & Learning Center. In that earlier incident, police and firefighters responded at 3:23 a.m. to a blaze that, while leaving the exterior structure standing, destroyed the interior of the building.

The use of accelerant-filled jars at both locations has heightened suspicions of arson, and authorities are now working overtime to determine if the two incidents are indeed linked. As Opelika Police and Fire Departments dig into the details, the community is left grappling with the possibility that someone may be deliberately targeting facilities dedicated to the care of the city’s youngest residents.

"We are actively investigating both incidents and are considering all possibilities, including the likelihood that the fires are connected," a spokesperson for the Opelika Police Department told WTVM. The presence of accelerants at both fire scenes is a significant detail that investigators cannot ignore. While no official statements have been made regarding potential suspects or motives, the similarities between the two cases are hard to overlook.

Firefighters were able to extinguish both blazes before they could spread to neighboring properties or cause harm to anyone inside. The quick and efficient response from first responders has been widely praised by local officials and residents alike. Still, the fact that both facilities were empty at the time of the fires is a small comfort in a situation that could have easily turned tragic.

The Opelika Fire Department emphasized the seriousness of the situation, urging anyone with information about either incident to come forward. "If you saw anything unusual near either daycare around the time of the fires, please reach out to us. Even the smallest detail could help," said a department representative. The public is encouraged to contact Opelika police at 334-705-5220 or the Opelika Fire Department at 334-705-5330.

For parents and staff at both By His Grace Daycare & Learning Center and Children Palace Learning Center, the aftermath has been a whirlwind of emotions—relief that no one was hurt, anxiety about what might happen next, and frustration at the disruption to their daily lives. The fire at By His Grace Daycare left the interior of the building in ruins, forcing families to make alternate childcare arrangements and raising questions about when, or if, the center will reopen.

"We’re just grateful that the fire happened after hours and that no children or staff were inside," one parent said, reflecting the sentiments of many in the Opelika community. The same sense of gratitude was expressed by those connected to Children Palace Learning Center, where the late-night fire could have had far more devastating consequences if it had occurred during business hours.

As investigators pore over the evidence, the focus remains on determining whether the two fires are the work of the same individual or group. The use of glass mason jars filled with accelerant is not a common method for starting fires, and the repetition of this technique at both scenes suggests a deliberate and possibly premeditated act. According to reports from both WTVM and local authorities, the jars were likely intended to accelerate the spread of the flames, making the fires more difficult to control and increasing the potential for destruction.

The Opelika community has responded with a mixture of fear and resilience. Local leaders have called for increased vigilance and have urged residents to report any suspicious activity, especially around schools and childcare centers. The city’s law enforcement agencies have stepped up patrols in the areas surrounding daycare facilities, hoping to deter any further incidents and reassure concerned parents.

While the investigation continues, the broader implications of these attacks have not gone unnoticed. Daycare centers are more than just places where children are looked after while their parents work—they are vital community institutions that provide education, support, and a sense of security for families. The targeting of such places strikes at the heart of what many consider to be the safest and most nurturing environments for young children.

Authorities have not released any information about possible motives, and no arrests have been made. The lack of answers has only added to the anxiety felt by many in Opelika. Some residents have speculated about possible reasons for the attacks, but officials caution against jumping to conclusions. "We understand that people want answers, but it’s important that we let the investigation run its course," a police spokesperson told WTVM.

In the meantime, both By His Grace Daycare & Learning Center and Children Palace Learning Center face the daunting task of rebuilding—physically and emotionally. Staff members are working to support affected families, and local organizations have begun to rally around the centers, offering donations and assistance to help them recover from the damage.

As the city waits for answers, the hope is that increased awareness and community cooperation will aid investigators in bringing those responsible to justice. The Opelika Police Department and Fire Department continue to urge anyone with information, no matter how insignificant it may seem, to come forward. Their message is clear: community vigilance is essential in preventing further tragedies and ensuring the safety of Opelika’s children.

The story of the two daycare fires in Opelika is still unfolding, with investigators working tirelessly to piece together the clues. For now, the community remains on edge, united by a shared determination to protect its children and to see justice served.