Crime And Law

Arson ruled as cause of Preble County house fire; Reward offered for information

WEST MANCHESTER — A fire that caused significant damage to a house in West Manchester last month has been ruled an arson and investigators are offering a reward for information that leads to an arrest and conviction.

>>PREVIOUS REPORT: West Manchester Fire Department says vacant house fire is suspicious

A joint investigation by the Ohio Fire Marshal’s Office and Preble County Sheriff’s Office determined a fire at a house on South High Street August 25 was intentionally set, a spokesperson said in a media release Wednesday.

Previously, West Manchester Fire Chief told News Center 7 the fire was suspicious and started in the porch of the structure, before it spread to the front, sides, and into the attic.

>>Autopsy: Park Layne woman suffered multiple gunshot wounds; Official cause of death still pending

A reward of up to $5,000 is being offered by the Blue Ribbon Arson Committee for tips that lead to an arrest and conviction of the person responsible, the fire marshal spokesperson said.

Tips that could help investigators can be submitted to the State Fire Marshal’s tip line at 800-589-2728.

Additional details were not released.

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