Investigators from the office of the Ohio State Fire Marshal announced Friday that they have determined arson as the cause of a fire that happened on White Gravel-McDaniel Road, in Minford, on Sunday.

According the State Fire Marshal’s Office, nobody was home when a fire began inside a mobile home at 3212 White Gravel-McDaniel Road, in Minford, on May 23. Only a family pet died in the fire. The home was equipped with working smoke detectors, and the fire was reported when a neighbor called 911.

The Minford Volunteer Fire Department responded and assisted investigators from the State Fire Marshal’s Office with the initial investigation.

Investigators were able to eliminate accidental causes, and reportedly found specific evidence that indicated the fire was intentionally set. Because this is an ongoing criminal investigation, specific details about how and where the fire was ignited will not be released at this time.

Investigators are asking anyone with information to call the State Fire Marshal at 1-800-589-2728. They would like to hear from anyone who might have heard someone speaking about the fire with unusual interest or knowledge; anyone who saw someone in the area at the time of the fire, or any other helpful tips.

A Blue Ribbon Arson Reward of up to $5,000 is being offered to anyone with information that leads to the arrest and conviction of the person, or persons, responsible for the fire.

RYAN SCOTT OTTNEY can be reached at (740) 353-3101, ext. 235, or e-mail rottney@heartlandpublications.

com.