The Pennsylvania State Police Fire Marshal and the Johnsonburg Borough police and fire departments investigated the origin and cause of the fire. The fire destroyed a single-stall garage while damaging four residential structures and a vehicle.
The fire originated in a detached single-stall garage on the property at 208 Church St. and spread to the main residence, which was located only feet away. The fire also damaged the sports utility vehicle parked nearby. Then, radiant heat damaged structures at 204 and 206 Church St.; there was minor damage at 223 Willow St, state police said.
The fire was ruled arson but remains under investigation at this time. Damage was estimated at $200,000. No injuries were reported. The victim, Albert Lee Abplanalp, 59, of Johnsonburg, wasn’t at home at the time of the fire, state police said.
The St. Marys, Ridgway and Wilcox fire departments assisted the Johnsonburg Fire Department in battling the fire. The American Red Cross assisted Abplanalp with his residence being severely damaged by the fire. Abplanalp didn’t have insurance coverage.
Anyone with information regarding this fire is asked to contact the state police fire marshal at 814-776-6136 or the Johnsonburg Borough Police Department at 814-772-0000. Area residents are reminded to contact police if they observe suspicious activity in their neighborhood.