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MARYVILLE

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News Brief

Sept. 18, 2018Maryville, MO |  By: John Coffey

Mayville fire ruled as arson

The cause of a fire in Maryville Friday afternoon is now being ruled as arson. The home is located at 123 South Mulberry. Maryville Fire Chief, Phil Rickabaugh, says his department has eliminated any accidental cause for the blaze.

"The main thing when we determine if it is a suspicious fire is to eliminate all the accidental causes.  That was done pretty quick.  We could eliminate any of the appliances.  We could eliminate anything in the wiring system - the electrical system.  We use some different burn patterns, if you would, to kind of indicate that things just aren't what you'd normally find in that type of setting."

Rickabaugh says investigators are now looking for information on who might have set the fire.

"Our police division will be doing some investigations following up on some interviews.  At this time, the home owner is not a suspect at all.  He had no motive, had nothing to gain.  Actually, he had quite a loss.  So we've ruled out the home owner."

Rickabaugh adds anyone with any information concerning the fire is urged to contact Maryville Public Safety or call the Missouri Arson Hotline.  There is an award of up to $5000 for any information that leads to an arrest.