Connellsville
Marshal rules fire was arson Herald-Standard CONNELLSVILLE – An early Monday morning fire that damaged a vacant East Cedar Avenue duplex has been ruled arson, according to a New Haven Hose Volunteer Fire Co. official. Fire Chief Bob Topper said that a state police fire marshal was called to the scene to investigate the cause and said that the blaze was intentionally set.
“He concluded that it was arson,” said Topper, adding that no one was living in either of the two apartments.
New Haven, along with firefighters from Connellsville Township and South Connellsville volunteer fire departments, responded to the 1:10 a.m. blaze that reportedly was ignited at the top of the basement stairwell.
“You could see where someone broke into the basement,” said Topper.
The fire caused heavy damage to the stairwell in the right-side apartment and smoke and water damage to the entire two-story brick structure.
Eugene Swiantek of Mount Pleasant is the owner of the 311 E. Cedar Ave. property.
Connellsville police also responded to the scene.
Police detective Lt. Steven Shaffer said that when officers arrived they found smoke coming from the roof.
“The investigation is ongoing,” he said.
Anyone with information is asked to call police at 724-628-2501, ext. 114.
Also responding to the fire was Fayette EMS with the Morrell Volunteer Fire Co. on standby for New Haven.