For the third time in two years, KOOP radio, 91.7 FM, is off the air because of fire. This time, investigators believe the fire was intentionally set.

KOOP is a community radio station, run mostly by volunteers.

"The station is an Austin institution that has been a part of the unique character of this city for 13 years," said Kim McCarson, KOOP executive director.

But authorities say someone attacked that institution last weekend.

Sometime between Saturday night, January 5, and Sunday morning fire investigators say someone set fire to the KOOP studios on Airport Boulevard in Central East Austin.

It caused about $300,000 in damage mostly to equipment and also forced nearby businesses to close.

"We only suffered smoke damage but we’re going to be out of business.. At this location, for about three weeks," said Tony Ward, business owner.

The word "arson" prompted KOOP officials to hold a new conference Tuesday afternoon.

"The possibility that someone would want to cause harm to this community radio station is disturbing. We will not allow our voices to be silenced by an attack on free speech and community radio," said McCarson.

This is not the first time KOOP has been silenced.

In January of 2006, fire destroyed the old KOOP building on 5th Street.

One month later, a huge fire downtown devastated the station.

Those fires were not intentionally set.

KOOP moved to this new office on airport boulevard in Central East Austin a year ago.. Hoping for a new start.

"We've been through these experiences before. We've been through worse before. Everybody's determined to band together, be strong, get back on the air as soon as we can and not let this road bump keep us down," said Andrew Dickens, KOOP President.

KOOP officials are hoping to be back on the air in the next couple of weeks.

Arson investigators are asking anyone who may have seen anything suspicious near the station last weekend to call them at 974-0240.