Arson suspected in mobile home fire

A mobile home was heavily damaged after a suspicious fire broke out late Monday night in Swansea.

Swansea Fire Chief John McGuire said firefighters were dispatched out at 8:32 p.m. Monday to 1351 N. 2nd St., lot 27, for a report of a working trailer fire. McGuire said the trailer appeared to be occupied but that no one was inside at the time of the fire.

“There was heavy smoke; we did have fire on the outside of the building,” McGuire said. “Crews went in, and we did a preliminary search and secondary search, but we didn’t find anyone.”

McGuire also said the fire appeared to be suspicious in nature. Firefighters found “multiple points of origin,” he said. No injuries were reported as a result.

The fire chief said State Fire Marshal Greg Vespa was investigating.

Swansea Police later reported Tuesday morning that the state fire marshal’s office determined the fire to be a case of arson.

McGuire said officials were still searching for the occupant of the home as of Tuesday.

The Northwest Fire Protection District and Swansea Police Department also assisted on scene. Units cleared the scene three hours after the initial call.

Anyone with information about the fire is asked to call CrimeStoppers at 866-371-8477.

This story was originally published August 9, 2016 at 11:33 AM with the headline "Arson suspected in mobile home fire."