DUBOIS – State police at DuBois helped report that a fire took place at a Treasure Lake home on Saturday evening. The home belonged to Antonita Rigante of Treasure Lake.
Cpl. James Josephson, fire marshal for the state police, assisted Sandy Township Police and the Sandy Township fire chief in the investigation.
According to police, the fire originated within the living room of the residence sometime after a 52-year old man, the only person who was present, started a wood fire in a fireplace by dumping gasoline on the wood and igniting it.
The exact circumstances of the room contents becoming ignited are unknown at this time. According to police, physical evidence is not consistent with the fire progressing directly from the fireplace.
The structure and contents were severely damaged, and damage is estimated at $340,000.
According to police, the structure was insured.
Investigators were assisted at the scene by canine handler Harold Rinker and his accelerant detection canine Reno.