From staff reports
A fire Thursday afternoon at a seven-apartment rental property on North Fourth Avenue in Clarion Borough has been ruled an arson.
Clarion state police said the fire, which broke out at about 12:40 p.m. Thursday at 57 N. Fourth Ave., originated in the living room of a second-floor apartment.
Police said in a press release that a state police fire marshal determined the cause to be “an intentional act of direct flame impingement to combustibles.”
No one was injured, and fire damage was mainly contained to the apartment where the blaze originated, police said.
Several other occupants had to find temporary housing due to smoke and water damage, according to police.
Police identified the property owner as Brian L. Hoover of Shippenville.
Damages have been estimated at $60,000.
Police say their investigation is continuing.