RANSOM TWP.
A state police fire marshal ruled an early Wednesday morning blaze that destroyed the former Cascades Tissue plant along Main Street as arson.
Crews responded to the vacant property – which has been unoccupied for approximately four years – around 3:14 a.m., Trooper Jeffrey Winters said in a news release. There was no electricity or other utilities going to the structure, Winters added.
The fire started near the roof at the left front corner of the structure and spread throughout half the building before it was extinguished, Winters said.
Newton Ransom Volunteer Fire Chief Jeff LaCoe said the building was a total loss. No injuries were reported, he added.
Video surveillance captured an Audi A6 automobile in the parking lot of the business prior to the fire, Winters said.
Anyone with information regarding the fire or the Audi should contact Winters at 570-963-4323 or the Taylor Police Department.