Investigators: House explosion and fire that rocked Cleveland neighborhood not accidental

Cleveland explosion and fire believed intentional

CLEVELAND — Cleveland fire investigators say they’ve ruled out an accident as the cause of a fire and explosion that decimated one house and damaged dozens of others.

However, authorities are stopping short of making an arson declaration in the fiery Jan. 25 blast on the city’s west side. Fire department spokesman Larry Gray said Tuesday that investigators eliminated all possible accidental causes, leaving them to conclude the act was intentional. He declined to offer further details.

City Safety Director Martin Flask says authorities are offering only limited information so as not to tip their hand to potential suspects or witnesses.

The house that blew up was vacant at the time. The explosion damaged 57 other homes, some so badly they had to be torn down.

Information from: The Plain Dealer, www.cleveland.com