The state police fire marshal is investigating a suspicious fire over the weekend in Shenango Township.
David Rishel, chief of Shenango’s volunteer fire department, said his crews were called to 205 W. Byers Ave. at 4:30 a.m. Saturday.
Rishel said the fire began on the front porch of the house and spread to a bedroom. The South New Castle Borough Volunteer Fire Department also was called.
“Their station is about a block and a half from the fire,” Rishel noted. “They got there first and did an excellent job of knocking the fire back.”
He said both departments remained at the scene for about 90 minutes.
The house is owned by Ray Peluso of 1603 Thorpe St. and is rented to Tiyonda Brothers, according to Rishel.
He estimated damages at $10,000 to $15,000.
“The front porch was burned off the house and there is a lot of smoke damage,” he said. “But it can be cleaned and repaired.”
